The Senate appears poised to advance a bill that would expand the federal government's mandate to detain immigrants who are in the country illegally, with Republicans putting the issue front and center in the new Congress.

The Senate will vote to begin debate on the Laken Riley Act, a GOP-led bill aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration that has attracted support from Democrats.

The Laken Riley Act was passed on a 264-159 vote, with 48 House Democrats joining the Republican majority. The bill will now move to the Republican-controlled Senate, which will take the measure up on Friday.