On January 20, 2025, President Trump enacted the Laken Riley Act, accelerating deportation processes for undocumented immigrants in California, despite its sanctuary laws. This legislation, fueled by Democratic support, mandates detention even for minor crimes, prompting concern among legal experts about increased vulnerability for immigrant communities. The act, a response to a tragic murder linked to undocumented immigration, signals potential changes in enforcement and legal repercussions for immigrants in sanctuary states. Experts warn that the law could lead to higher arrest rates due to recent legislative shifts in local laws, affecting undocumented populations across the nation.
The law will have an impact on California, said Kevin Johnson, dean of the UC Davis School of Law.
At the end of the day, the Laken Riley Act will affect migrant communities throughout the country and Californians are not going to get a pass, said Césár Cuauhtémoc García Hernández.
The Laken Riley Act requires federal authorities to detain undocumented immigrants charged with minor crimes such as burglary and theft.
The act was named for Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student murdered last year by an undocumented immigrant.
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