Democrat Ruben Gallego supports the Laken Riley Act before its Senate vote.

On Friday, the Senate will vote on the Laken Riley Act, which has been co-sponsored by Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and passed the House on Tuesday.

The bill proposes that Immigration and Customs Enforcement must detain illegal immigrants who have committed theft, burglary, or shoplifting until they are deported. Additionally, states would have the authority to sue federal officials who fail to enforce immigration law.

""Laken Riley's situation serves as a reminder of the real-life consequences of the border crisis, and Arizonans demand action from law enforcement against illegal immigrants who break the law," Gallego stated to Planet Chronicle Digital."

"I will persist in advocating for the safety of Arizonans through the implementation of comprehensive immigration reform and enhanced border security measures."

In the 119th Congress, the bill was reintroduced by Rep. Mike Collins and Sen. Katie Britt, both Republicans, in the House and Senate, respectively. The bill was named after Augusta University nursing student who was discovered dead on the University of Georgia campus in February. Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old illegal immigrant, was found guilty on 10 total counts, including felony murder. Initially, he had pleaded not guilty.

He was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in November.

On Tuesday, the bill was passed by the House, with 48 Democrats joining Republicans, in a vote of 264 to 159.

Senator Gallego's cosponsorship of the bipartisan Laken Riley Act was thanked by Britt, who stated that this legislation would keep American families safe and it should be supported by every senator.

The bill, first introduced by an Alabama senator in the Senate last year, was quickly teed up for a floor vote by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., on Friday.

The bill backed by Britt has the support of all Senate Republicans and is now co-sponsored by Democrat Sens. John Fetterman and Gallego.

Last year, Gallego was among the few dozen Democrats who voted in favor of the bill in the House.

In November, the Arizona Democrat won the Senate race, defeating Trump ally Kari Lake and taking over the seat vacated by former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who did not run for re-election.

A spokesperson for Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., disclosed to Planet Chronicle Digital that he would be supporting the measure. The Democrat is running for re-election in Michigan in 2026, a state Trump won.

Although Sen.-elect Jim Justice of West Virginia delayed his swearing-in, Republicans will ultimately have a 53-seat majority in the Senate.

The bill's fate is expected to depend on the votes of a few Democrats to overcome the legislative filibuster, which requires 60 votes.

The upcoming vote will highlight the Georgia Senate delegation, with Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., facing a re-election battle in a Trump-won state in 2026.

Ossoff did not provide comment to Planet Chronicle Digital in time for publication.