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Sen. John Fetterman to Attend Signing of the Laken Riley Act
Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is set to participate in the signing ceremony of the Laken Riley Act at the White House on Wednesday, a measure aimed at detaining certain migrants charged with nonviolent offenses. The legislation garnered bipartisan support and was approved by both chambers of Congress last week.
In a statement released prior to the event, Fetterman expressed his belief in the importance of a secure border for national safety. “A secure border creates a more secure nation; it’s just common sense,” he stated. He emphasized that having a strong border does not conflict with his support for immigration policies that protect Dreamers, young individuals brought to the U.S. illegally as children.
Additionally, he commented on the political climate in Washington, stating, “This nation is tired of leaders in D.C. prioritizing fighting over governing.” He affirmed his obligation to work for the betterment of Pennsylvania and collaborate across party lines.
Fetterman was a co-sponsor of the Laken Riley Act, which was primarily introduced by Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.). The House of Representatives passed the legislation with a 263-156 vote, following its approval in the Senate with a 64-35 vote. Fetterman was among 12 Democrats who supported the measure in the Senate.
The Laken Riley Act mandates the detention of undocumented migrants, including those who entered the country seeking asylum, if they are accused of certain nonviolent crimes such as shoplifting or burglary. Critics have raised concerns about the bill, arguing that it infringes on civil rights by allowing detention based on charges rather than convictions.
The legislation’s namesake, Laken Riley, was a nursing student from Georgia who tragically lost her life to a crime allegedly committed by a Venezuelan migrant last year, highlighting the emotional backdrop of the issue.
Fetterman has highlighted his intention to adopt a bipartisan approach during Trump’s return to the White House. Earlier this month, he had a significant meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago before the presidential inauguration, which he described as a valuable conversation lasting over an hour. “He was kind, he was cordial. It wasn’t in any kind of theater,” Fetterman remarked during an appearance on “The View.”
Despite his collaborative efforts, Fetterman has not shied away from critiquing his own party in the context of the 2024 elections. In response to speculation about potentially changing his party affiliation, he firmly rejected any such notions. “If they think, ‘Oh, it’s going to be like a Manchin or a Sinema play,’ that’s just not true, and that’s not going to happen,” he stated, clearly distinguishing himself from moderate former Senators Joe Manchin (W.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.), who have shifted to independent status during their tenure.
Source
thehill.com