On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate made an amendment to the Laken Riley Act, adding the charge of assault against police officers to the list of offenses that can lead to illegal aliens being automatically detained.

As the Washington Examiner reported, the bill had already passed in the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, with multiple Senate Democrats also expressing their support for the bill. The bill already allowed federal authorities to immediately arrest illegal aliens who have either been arrested, charged, or convicted of theft-related crimes and other violent crimes.

The amendment was introduced by Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), which described cases of “serious bodily injury” being caused to police officers by illegals. The amendment passed with 70 votes in favor and 25 against. In total, 21 Democrats sided with every Republican in the measure’s favor.

Another amendment introduced by Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) would have removed the provision that allows states to sue the federal government over its handling of illegal immigration. That measure failed along party lines, with 49 voting against and 46 voting in favor.

Democrats plan to propose further amendments, including exemptions for minors. The final bill will need 60 votes to overcome any potential filibuster by far-left Democrats.

The Laken Riley Act is named after a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was murdered by an illegal alien while she was going for a morning run on campus. The case became a major focus as immigration remained a top campaign issue in the 2024 election, and is credited with causing a massive shift in the American electorate’s view of illegal aliens, the border, and immigration as a whole.

The newly-amended bill must be voted on again by the House before it can be signed into law by the president.