House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., center, joined from left by Rep. Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., during a news conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)2025-01-22T21:32:34Z WASHINGTON (AP) The House on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that requires the detainment of unauthorized migrants accused of theft and violent crimes, marking the first legislation that President Donald Trump can sign as Congress, with some bipartisan support, swiftly moved in line with his plans to crackdown on illegal immigration.Passage of the Laken Riley Act, which was named after a Georgia nursing student who was murdered last year by a Venezuelan man, shows just how sharply the political debate over immigration has shifted to the right following Trumps election victory. Immigration policy has often been one of the most entrenched issues in Congress, but a crucial faction of politically vulnerable Democrats joined with Republicans to lift the strict proposal to passage on a 263-156 vote tally.For decades, it has been almost impossible for our government to agree on solutions for the problems at our border and within our country, said Sen. Katie Britt, an Alabama Republican. She called the legislation perhaps the most significant immigration enforcement bill to be passed by Congress in nearly three decades.Still, the bill would require a massive ramp up in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements capabilities, but does not include any new funding.___ STEPHEN GROVES Groves covers Congress for The Associated Press. twitter mailto