The measure easily cleared the 60-vote filibuster but marked the first of likely several procedural hurdles before Republicans can declare victory.

Newly in the minority, Democrats say they will vote with Republicans to advance legislation that would require federal authorities to detain unauthorized immigrants who have been accused of certain crimes — one of President-elect Donald Trump’s priorities as he assumes office later this month.

A significant number of Senate Democrats voted with Republicans on Thursday to advance a GOP-led bill to require the detention of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes – a key step that puts the legislation on the verge of passage.

Most Democrats joined Republicans in voting to take up the measure, which would require the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants charged with minor crimes.

More than half the U.S. Senate's Democrats joined with Republicans on Thursday to advance a bill that would require the federal government to detain migrants living in the country illegally who are suspected of crimes,

The Senate overwhelmingly voted to move forward Thursday on a bill that would impose stricter measures on undocumented migrants who commit crimes in the United States, although many Democrats said they would seek to change some provisions.