Nevada’s House Democrats Support Controversial Immigration Bill

Introduction

In a surprising political move, Nevada’s Democratic House delegation has joined Republicans in supporting the Laken Riley Act, a controversial piece of legislation targeting undocumented immigrants.

Article Body

On January 9, 2025, Representatives Dina Titus, Steven Horsford, and Susie Lee voted in favor of H.R. 29, which would allow detention of undocumented immigrants arrested for nonviolent offenses like shoplifting. The bill passed with a 264-159 vote, with 48 Democrats crossing party lines.

UNLV Law Professor Michael Kagan criticized the bill, arguing it gives police “near tyrannical power” over immigrants by mandating detention based on mere arrests. Despite concerns, Representative Titus called it “common sense anti-crime legislation.”

Conclusion

The bill highlights the complex and divisive nature of immigration policy, with potential far-reaching implications for immigrant communities in Nevada and across the United States.