[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                              Immigration

  Mr. President, while our focus in the Senate has been on nominees, we 
have managed to work in votes on a few pieces of legislation. Last 
week, the President signed one of those pieces of legislation into law.
  The Laken Riley Act, which the President signed last Wednesday, is 
Congress's first installment in our work to combat illegal immigration. 
It is not, of course, a comprehensive bill, but it will ensure that 
illegal immigrants who steal, assault a law enforcement officer, or 
kill or seriously injure another person are detained by Immigration and 
Customs Enforcement instead of being allowed back out on the street. 
Had such a law been in place last year, it is possible that Laken Riley 
would still be alive today, and I am thankful that we were finally able 
to pass this important legislation. The Laken Riley Act joins the work 
the Trump administration has been doing to keep dangerous illegal 
immigrants off our streets.
  Since President Trump's inauguration, his border czar and Homeland 
Security team, now led by Secretary Noem, have been working around the 
clock to take murderers, rapists, gang members, and other dangerous 
criminals into custody in preparation for being deported. Reading lists 
of crimes these individuals committed is horrifying, and it is 
incredible that they have been allowed to remain in our country. I am 
grateful that we now have a President who is serious about protecting 
Americans from criminal aliens.
  Republicans in Congress are working on legislation to support the 
President's efforts, and we will ensure that the President has the 
manpower and detention space needed to detain and deport individuals 
who threaten the safety of our streets.
  It has been a busy few weeks here in the Senate. I am looking forward 
to more as we continue to confirm the President's nominees and deliver 
on an agenda for the American people.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Sheehy). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.