Tester backs bill to detain immigrants accused of crimes
Migrants wait to be processed by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol after they crossed the Rio Grande and entered the U.S. from Mexico, Oct. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester backed the Laken Riley Act last week, becoming the first Senate Democrat to throw support behind the legislation, which focuses on crimes committed by immigrants in the country illegally.
“After hearing from law enforcement officers across Montana, I’m backing the Laken Riley Act to make sure that individuals who enter our country and commit a crime are held accountable so that no Montana family has to worry about the safety of their loved ones,” Tester said in a May 9 statement.
The legislation, which passed the House in a 251-170 vote on March 7, would require federal officials to detain immigrants who commit crimes, like theft, shoplifting or larceny, until the individual is deported.
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