President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law on Wednesday, which mandates the pre-trial detention of undocumented migrants accused of crimes such as theft, burglary, or shoplifting, The Hill reported. The bill passed the House with a vote of 263-156, receiving support from 46 Democrats. It was previously approved by the Senate in a bipartisan 64-35 vote.
“This is a very important law, something that has brought Democrats and Republicans together. That’s not easy to do—Laken did it,” Trump said during the bill signing. “America will never, ever forget Laken Hope Riley.” He described the bill as “a landmark law” that could “save countless innocent American lives.”
The bill is named after Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was killed by a Venezuelan migrant, who had been arrested for shoplifting and then released on parole before the attack.
Trump thanked Republicans for supporting the bill, as well as the Democrats who voted across party lines. He also warned those who opposed the bill: “They’re going to be sorry.”
In addition to signing the Laken Riley Act, Trump announced plans to sign an executive order to establish a migrant detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. The order directs the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to prepare a facility capable of housing up to 30,000 migrants at the U.S. military base in Cuba.
“Guantanamo has 30,000 beds to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people,” Trump said. “Some of them are so dangerous we don’t even trust their countries to hold them. So, we’re going to send them to Guantanamo.” He added, “This will double our capacity immediately, and it’s a tough place to get out of.”
Guantanamo Bay, known for housing terror suspects—including several linked to the 9/11 attacks—has faced controversy over allegations of torture and abuse during the U.S. War on Terror. Under the Biden administration, operations at the facility have been wound down, with only 15 detainees remaining, according to The Hill.
Trump’s announcement is part of his ongoing efforts to curb illegal immigration and enhance deportation measures.