WASHINGTON — When Donald Trump assumed the presidency in 2017, he made promises to enforce stricter immigration policies, prompting widespread protests that animated various community spaces such as churches, airports, and union halls, as Democratic lawmakers rallied against the new Republican administration. However, just four years later, on his first week back in office, Democrats backed an immigration bill that was sent to him for approval.
After suffering losses in recent elections, the Democratic Party has found itself in disarray concerning how to respond to Trump’s anti-illegal immigration efforts. With the stakes higher than ever, the current administration has made moves to tighten controls at the U.S.-Mexico border, limiting access for asylum seekers and initiating deportations of countless immigrants without permanent legal status.
“I believe Trump has maneuvered the Democratic Party into a corner regarding immigration issues, and it will take some time to navigate out of it,” commented Sen. Michael Bennet from Colorado. “I would like to see our actions stem from a firm belief in our values surrounding immigration rather than responding from a position of fear.”
Seeking common ground with Trump, a significant faction of Democrats on Capitol Hill voted last week on the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of migrants charged with theft, assaulting law enforcement, or causing bodily harm. Simultaneously, other congressional Democratic members have been attempting to reassure constituents who fear deportation, with Rep. Juan Vargas from California recently joining a priest to offer communion to community members too frightened to venture out into public.
For the Republican Party, the passing of the Laken Riley Act showcased that they have struck a resonant chord with voters regarding illegal immigration, a sentiment amplified by Trump. They are preparing to push further immigration initiatives along with a $100 billion package to facilitate Trump’s plans for border enforcement and the deportation process. With 60 senators required to advance most legislation, the backing of several Democratic senators may prove essential, especially as Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority.
In light of the bill’s passage, House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana remarked, “This is a critical moment for our nation, where the right course of action overlaps with popular support.” The Laken Riley Act is named in memory of a nursing student from Georgia who was tragically killed last year by a Venezuelan national who was living in the United States illegally.
When asked about the Democratic support for the legislation, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York maintained a measured stance. “House Democrats will continue to make choices that align with the welfare of our individual districts, and we trust the political climate will adjust accordingly,” he asserted.
Over the past year, numerous Democrats have increasingly aligned with stricter border security protocols as they respond to historic inflows of migrants during President Joe Biden’s administration. Recent polling indicates that half of U.S. adults now view heightened border security as a top priority for the federal government, with another 30% categorizing it as an important, though less immediate focus. While most Democrats oppose the mass deportation of immigrants without legal status, about 80% support deporting those convicted of violent offenses. The Biden administration has similarly prioritized deportation efforts towards individuals deemed a threat to national security, with Trump advocating for a broader range of deportations targeting criminal migrants.
Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona who won his seat concurrently as Trump carried the state, has shown support for measures like the Laken Riley Act. He expressed that his stance reflects the views of his constituents, including many Latino voters. “They desire reasonable border security, sensible solutions, and want to see that criminals are expelled while good people are given a fair chance to stay,” Gallego stated.
Immigration advocates have voiced their concerns about the party’s tendency to cede ground to Trump’s stringent border policies, worried that he might dominate the immigration discourse. Vanessa Cárdenas, head of America’s Voice, acknowledged this as a challenging time for Democrats, urging them to gather their resolve and push back against aggressive policies.
Following the passage of the Laken Riley Act, leaders from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, a Democratic group typically influential in shaping immigration policy, convened with Jeffries to develop a cohesive party message. The group has decided to focus on measures to keep mixed-status families intact, protect agricultural workers, and advocate for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. The caucus embodies a diverse range of perspectives, including progressives and those who endorsed the new legislation.
“Our aim is to demonstrate our capacity for internal consensus,” explained Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the chair of the Hispanic Caucus. During a subsequent news conference, Espaillat articulated practical concerns surrounding mass deportations, emphasizing potential ramifications such as the ousting of immigrants who have long contributed to the nation and potential increases in food prices due to targeting agricultural laborers. The conference aimed to project unity; however, the statements made by caucus members highlighted differing commitments.
“We are prepared to resist,” declared Rep. Nydia Velázquez from New York. Meanwhile, Rep. Gabe Vasquez from New Mexico pointed out opportunities to collaborate with Republicans, particularly concerning efforts against drug trafficking and cartel activity that harm border communities.
