Democratic senators push bill focusing on local detainment of immigrants linked to violent crime

WASHINGTON (AP) — A bill from group of Democratic and independent senators would let the federal government request a court order that local authorities hold immigrants — with permanent legal status or without — who are charged with or convicted of violent crimes until they can be transferred to federal custody for deportation proceedings.

The bill Thursday by six Democrats and allied independents reflects a willingness by Democrats to focus on immigration enforcement policy during an election year in which immigration is expected to be a leading issue.

Seizing on the recent killing of nursing student Laken Riley in Georgia, Republicans have called attention to crimes committed by immigrants without permanent legal status. Earlier this month the GOP-controlled House passed legislation, named the “Laken Riley Act,” that would require federal authorities to detain such immigrants who have been accused of theft.

Sponsoring the measure are Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Chris Murphy of Connecticut, as well as independent Sens. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Angus King of Maine. Brown, Baldwin and Casey are facing tough reelection races.

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