US President Donald Trump is set to sign a significant piece of legislation on Wednesday aimed at intensifying his administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. This will be his first major legislative action since returning to office, following his vow to strengthen US immigration policies and target undocumented migrants involved in criminal activities.
The bill, known as the Laken Riley Act, mandates the pre-trial detention of undocumented migrants charged with theft and violent crimes. The law is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who was tragically murdered in 2024 by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan migrant with a history of legal violations. Ibarra had been previously arrested and released twice, including after crossing the US-Mexico border in 2022.
The Laken Riley Act: A Major Step in Trump’s Immigration Agenda
The Laken Riley Act was passed by the Republican-led US Congress just two days after Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. Some Democratic lawmakers also supported the bill, as growing public concern over illegal immigration and migrant-related crime contributed to Trump’s electoral success.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt touted the bill’s passage as a victory for Trump’s ongoing efforts to secure US borders. In a statement to Fox News, Leavitt said, “President Trump has used every lever of his executive power to ensure that we can secure the border and address the safety concerns of the American people.”
Trump has frequently used the case of Laken Riley, among others, to rally support for tougher immigration policies, warning against the dangers of illegal migrants in the US.
Trump’s Broader Immigration Push
Since taking office again, Trump has launched an aggressive immigration crackdown, including an increase in immigration raids, arrests, and deportations. The administration has even made use of military aircraft for deportation purposes.
In a move aimed at extending protections for Venezuelans in the US, the Trump administration also announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 600,000 Venezuelans, allowing them to remain in the country. You can read more about the TPS extension on Vox.
Trump has also raised concerns about the international impact of his immigration policies, particularly in relation to Colombia. He threatened sanctions and tariffs on Colombia for refusing to accept deportees sent from the US, but Colombia eventually backed down after facing pressure from the White House.
Trump’s Controversial Overhaul of the US Government
As part of his broader agenda, Trump has also initiated a far-reaching attempt to overhaul the federal government. His administration’s proposed freeze on federal grants and loans—intended to compel federal employees to support his right-wing policies—has faced significant backlash.
A federal judge temporarily blocked this funding freeze just before it was due to take effect. Meanwhile, Trump unveiled a controversial proposal offering federal workers the option to resign in exchange for a severance package of eight months. This suggestion has sparked confusion and concern among US civil servants.
The White House has denied accusations of targeting political opponents, insisting that the proposal is simply an effort to ensure federal employees return to work. “If they don’t return, they have the option to resign,” Press Secretary Leavitt explained. “This administration is generously offering to pay them for eight months.”
Trump’s Radical Right-Wing Policies
In addition to his stance on immigration, Trump has pursued a more radical right-wing agenda on various social issues, including gender and healthcare. On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order restricting gender surgery for minors, a move that has raised concerns among LGBTQ+ rights groups. You can read more about the order in an article from The Guardian.
Additionally, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., faced scrutiny during a Senate hearing on Wednesday, where he was questioned about his past promotion of vaccine misinformation. His confirmation process is currently at a standstill as he faces mounting criticism for his controversial views on public health.
Trump’s Controversial Presidency: A New Chapter
As Trump continues to implement his far-right agenda, his presidency remains divisive. His push for tougher immigration policies, his government overhaul proposals, and his stance on social issues will undoubtedly shape the course of US politics in the coming years. Trump’s influence on the global stage, particularly regarding his stance on international immigration and foreign relations, is also a point of contention among critics.
For more updates on Trump’s policies and political moves, check out articles on The New York Times and Reuters.
