US PRESIDENT Donald Trump was due to sign legislation into law last night that mandates the detention and potential deportation of undocumented migrants accused of theft and violent crimes — without any need for a conviction.

The measure, known as the Laken Riley Act, swiftly passed the Republican-controlled Congress with some Democratic support, despite human rights campaigners highlighting how the law could lead to the mass rounding-up of people for minor offences such as shoplifting.

Mr Trump has made a promised crackdown on undocumented people the centrepiece of his political career. He is now suggesting that the new law might only be the beginning.