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.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) revealed Thursday that he was prepared to support a procedural vote later that afternoon to advance the Republican-led Laken Riley Act, which would crack down on illegal immigrants who commit certain crimes.