Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) expressed her strong opposition to the Laken Riley Act via Twitter, subsequently describing it on television as a “highway to mass deportation.” Her comments followed the bill’s rise to prominence, which aims to address crimes committed by migrants and has raised concerns regarding the potential for detaining individuals without due process. Jayapal criticized the legislation, stating, “This is a bad bill. It removes due process and subjects any undocumented person who is arrested or charged with shoplifting or theft to mandatory detention — no trial or conviction needed. It’s all fear mongering about immigrants, not making people safer.”
In an interview on MSNBC’s The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart, she elaborated on her apprehensions, asserting that the bill could lead to widespread deportations based solely on accusations rather than convictions. She emphasized that individuals could be ensnared in the criminal justice system merely for being accused, without any requirement for a guilty plea or conviction. Jayapal further highlighted the implications for those accused of crimes, noting that current laws mandate detention only for those convicted or who admit guilt, whereas this bill would allow for detention based solely on accusations. If passed, the Laken Riley Act would enforce the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of offenses such as theft and burglary, irrespective of a formal conviction. The Senate recently advanced the bill with an 84-9 procedural vote, garnering bipartisan support, while the House had already approved it.