Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a coalition urging the U.S. Senate to reject the Laken Riley Act, also known as S.5. The coalition, which includes attorneys general, faith leaders, union leaders, law enforcement officials, members of Congress, and other elected officials, argues that the proposed legislation could undermine public safety and disrupt the immigration system.
"This proposal has clear due process issues and a high potential for abuse," Raoul stated. "It would severely strain our nation’s already overburdened immigration system and make law enforcement officers’ jobs more difficult by potentially fracturing trust with the communities they serve. I stand with other state attorneys general, law enforcement, faith and community leaders, labor leaders and elected officials in calling on the Senate to reject this harmful legislation."
The coalition contends that the act threatens core justice principles by mandating detention without conviction or bond hearings for undocumented individuals accused of certain offenses such as burglary or theft. This could lead to long-term residents and minors being detained without due process. Additionally, it poses risks to DACA recipients and could deter victims of domestic abuse from seeking help.
Raoul and his colleagues argue that existing federal laws already empower U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain immigrants facing removal who have certain criminal convictions or are considered public safety risks. ICE has expressed concerns that implementing this measure might exceed its capacity, resulting in potential releases of individuals deemed threats.
The act also proposes giving state attorneys general significant authority over immigration matters, including enforcing new detention rules. The coalition warns this could result in extensive litigation that clogs federal courts and further disrupts the immigration system.
Attorneys general from Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont have joined Raoul in sending a letter opposing the bill to the Senate.