The Senate Advances A Migrant Detention Bill That Could Be Trump's First Law To Sign

The Senate is heading toward a final vote on legislation that would require federal authorities to detain migrants accused of theft and violent crimes and give states power to challenge federal immigration policies , setting a new tone on immigration as Donald Trump enters the White House.

Newly in the majority, Senate Republicans have made the so-called Laken Riley Act - named after a Georgia student who was killed last year by a Venezuelan man - a top priority, potentially making it the first bill Trump signs as president.

On Friday, it cleared a key procedural hurdle 61-35, with 10 Democrats voting with Republicans to advance it to a final vote.

Democrats, who last year allowed similar legislation to languish, initially supported opening debate on the bill, signaling a new willingness to consider crackdowns on illegal immigration following their election losses. However, most voted against advancing the bill to a final vote after they were unable to make significant changes to the legislation.

"Obviously border security was a very, very big issue in November's election," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican. Americans "clearly want a change in policies when it comes to securing our border and immigration."