Laken Riley Act: What does the immigration bill actually do?

The Laken Riley Act, named after the UGA nursing student who was killed by undocumented immigrant José Ibarra, has ignited debates on U.S. immigration reform. The bipartisan bill calls for mandatory detention of undocumented immigrants accused of minor crimes, allows states to sue the federal government over immigration enforcement, and grants states more power over federal agencies like ICE. Supporters see it as a path to public safety, while critics warn of risks to due process, family separation, and excessive costs, with an estimated $27 billion price tag in its first year. The act raises questions about its impact on the immigration system and feasibility. According to the bill, state governments can sue over alleged failures of any immigration-related decision from the federal government that causes harm. This includes suing over: releasing an undocumented immigrant from custody, failure to faithfully inspect individuals seeking admission into the United States, and failure to detain someone who has been ordered to be removed from the U.S. Video: ABC, Fox News, Fox 5 Atlanta, USSenLindseyGraham, 11 Alive, Associated Press, Forbes, NBC News | Sources: Congress.gov, National Immigration Law