Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), considered one of the most at-risk Democrats seeking reelection in 2024, has reversed his stance on the Laken Riley Act. Tester, who previously voted against the bill as an amendment in March, now supports the Republican-led legislation that passed the House of Representatives earlier this year.
Tester’s change of heart has sparked criticism, especially from Republican Tim Sheehy, his opponent in the upcoming election. Sheehy took to social media to call Tester out for his apparent flip-flop, labeling him as a “Two-Faced career politician” who only cares about securing another term in office.
The Laken Riley Act, named after a 22-year-old University of Georgia student who was tragically murdered by an illegal alien with a criminal record, aims to compel the Department of Homeland Security to detain illegal aliens arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting.
Despite backing the bill now, Tester had previously rejected an amendment in March that included similar provisions to the Laken Riley Act. This decision, made during a period of potential government shutdown threats, raised eyebrows among his critics.
In response to Tester’s change of position, the National Republican Senatorial Committee accused him of prioritizing support for Joe Biden’s immigration policies over the interests of Montanans. The latest polls show Tester trailing Sheehy, indicating a tight race between the two candidates leading up to the election.
