Democratic senator supports Laken Riley immigration bill before re-election in red state
Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana, is championing an immigration bill named after the late Georgia college student Laken Riley as he braces for a challenging re-election campaign. This move comes despite his previous opposition to the measure.
“Keeping Montana safe is my top priority, which is why I’ve repeatedly called on the Biden Administration and Congress to do more to secure the southern border and have worked to get the brave men and women in law enforcement what they need to keep criminals off our streets,” Tester stated.
Tester cited input from law enforcement officials across Montana as the reason behind his change of heart regarding the bill.
The proposed legislation would mandate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants involved in theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses.
Laken Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University, was tragically discovered deceased on the University of Georgia’s campus in February. Jose Antonio Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant, was arrested and charged with various severe offenses related to Riley’s death.
The incident garnered widespread attention, prompting calls for stricter border control and immigration policies from predominantly Republican lawmakers.
Despite previously voting against a similar amendment to a substantial spending package, Tester found himself in support of the revised Laken Riley Act. The amendment, put forth by Republicans, was ultimately defeated along party lines.
Following the failed amendment vote, a spokesperson for Tester assured that the Senator would back the bill in a separate standalone vote, should it be presented.
However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is unlikely to bring the Laken Riley Act to the Senate floor for consideration.
Sen. Tom Cotton and other Republicans accused Tester of avoiding immigration-related votes due to his precarious re-election prospects. Tester vehemently denied these accusations.
Reacting to Tester’s newfound support for the bill, Cotton criticized the Senator for his previous stance on immigration policies.
Meanwhile, Tester’s endorsement of the Laken Riley Act has prompted backlash from Republicans, with some accusing him of flip-flopping for political gain.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee labeled Tester as “Two-Faced” and accused him of aligning with Joe Biden’s immigration policies to the detriment of his campaign.
Tester’s bid for re-election in Montana is anticipated to be fiercely contested, with political experts rating the race as a “Toss Up.”
