A significant number of Senate Democrats joined Republicans on Thursday to advance a GOP-led bill that would mandate the detention of undocumented migrants accused of specific crimes, marking a crucial step towards the bill's potential passage.
The bill gained traction among Senate Democrats, particularly those from battleground states where President-elect Donald Trump secured victory in the previous election, following its approval in the House earlier in the week.
Democrats are facing pressure to demonstrate action on immigration in light of criticisms from Republicans during the election cycle, who portrayed the party as lacking in border security measures. Post-Trump's election, some Democrats have acknowledged the need for the party to address voter concerns regarding immigration.
If the bill successfully clears the Senate, it would serve as an early victory for Republicans, who prioritized the legislation as the inaugural bill of the new Congress, now that they hold the majority in both chambers.
The proposed legislation mandates the detention of undocumented migrants charged with theft or burglary. The bill is named after a Georgia student who tragically lost her life last year while jogging. A Venezuelan undocumented migrant was found guilty and received a life sentence in connection with the incident, reigniting a national discourse on immigration and crime.
Despite the progress made, the bill still faces obstacles ahead, and its fate in the Senate remains uncertain as it navigates through the legislative process.
