The Senate passed the Laken Riley Act, which would allow law enforcement to detain illegal immigrants who commit thefts, 64-35 on Tuesday, a few hours after Donald Trump was inaugurated and pledged to crack down on illegal immigration.

Twelve Democrats joined Republicans in voting for the bill.

It is named for a nursing student in Georgia who was bludgeoned to death by Jose Ibarra, an illegal immigrant who was part of the Tren de Aragua gang and had been arrested for various crimes including theft and then released.

The House had already passed the bill, but must vote on it again because of small changes that were made.

First bill for Trump

It will be one of the first bills signed by Trump, which is appropriate as he prepares a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration.

Ibarra was convicted and sentenced to life in prison last year.

Under the Laken Riley Act, he would have been detained and unable to take her life.

States are allowed to sue the Homeland Security secretary if the law is not enforced.

More actions

Besides the legislation, Trump also declared a national emergency on border security just after his swearing-in.

Trump plans to end catch and release so that illegal border crossers will be detained.

Remain in Mexico will be reinstated so that those awaiting asylum hearings will not be able to stay in the U.S.

The border wall will be back under construction as well.

The problem

Millions upon millions of illegal immigrants were allowed to enter and remain in the U.S. until their hearings, which could be scheduled three years after they entered.

In many cases, the migrants were not closely tracked and could disappear into the country's interior without monitoring.

Some migrants were given housing including hotel rooms, and other benefits like food and health care paid for by taxpayers.

One estimate puts illegal immigration costs at $66 billion per year as of 2023, and $150 billion since Biden took office. Another estimate is closer to $400 billion.