Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) is facing reelection and has recently shifted his stance on immigration policy in a bid to address a major electoral vulnerability. He has recently co-sponsored the Laken Riley Act, a bill that would mandate the detention and deportation of illegal immigrants who commit certain crimes.
The bill is named after Laken Riley, a University of Georgia nursing student who was tragically killed by an illegal immigrant with a history of criminal activity. Tester’s support for the bill represents a notable change in position, as he had previously opposed it when it was proposed as an amendment to another bill.
Tester cited input from law enforcement officials in Montana as the reason for his change of heart, emphasizing the importance of holding criminals who enter the country accountable. However, it is widely understood that his sudden support for the bill is likely influenced by his upcoming reelection campaign in a predominantly Republican state.
While Tester’s backing of the bill may be seen as pandering for votes, it is unlikely to become law as long as Democrats control the Senate and the White House. Critics of Tester point to his voting record, which shows strong alignment with President Joe Biden, as evidence of his political opportunism.
Montana voters will have the opportunity to evaluate Tester’s actions and decide whether they want to reelect him in November. Tester’s recent pivot on immigration policy will undoubtedly be a point of contention in the upcoming election.
