Hamilton Reporter

U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee's 3rd District voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act on January 7, 2025. The bill, known as H.R. 29, passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote tallying 264-159. The legislation seeks to amend federal law by mandating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to issue detainers and assume custody of illegal aliens who commit theft-related offenses as per state and local definitions.

The act further empowers state attorneys general to pursue legal action against the Secretary of Homeland Security for injunctive relief should immigration actions, including parole violations or detention requirement breaches, adversely affect a state or its citizens.

Rep. Fleischmann expressed his support for the act, stating: “I applaud my colleagues for their strong bipartisan support of the Laken Riley Act. Ensuring that police and law enforcement have the tools to detain and deport illegal immigrants who commit crimes should never be a partisan issue." He added that "The American People have made it clear that they want illegal immigration ended and criminal illegal aliens deported before they can commit serious crimes."

Fleischmann emphasized the importance of this legislative measure as "an important first step to getting our nation’s illegal immigration crisis under control and ending the scourge of illegal immigrant crime." He urged prompt Senate approval so that President Trump could sign it into law upon assuming office on January 20.