The Laken Riley Act was introduced after a nursing student named Laken Riley from Augusta University was killed while jogging on February 22, 2024, by an undocumented immigrant. Riley’s death was caused by blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.
“For four years, the Biden administration’s complete and total surrender of our southern border has decimated communities and families across the country, resulting in the deaths of countless Americans like Laken Riley,” said Congressman Arrington.
The bill was introduced in the 118th Congress as H.R.7511 on March 7, 2024, and reintroduced in the 119th Congress as H.R.29 on January 3, 2025.
Congressman Arrington said the Laken Riley Act would do two things:
- Amend federal law to require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to issue detainers and take custody of illegal aliens who commit theft-related crimes, such as shoplifting, as defined by state and local law.
- It allows state attorneys general to sue the Secretary of Homeland Security for injunctive relief if immigration actions such as parole, violation of detention requirements, or other policy failures harm that state or its citizens.
“In this new era of Republican leadership, we are delivering for the American people – and that starts with securing the border and protecting our communities. The Laken Riley Act will give law enforcement the tools they need to keep dangerous illegals off the streets and empower state governments to protect their people.” Arrington said.
The House passed the Laken Riley Act with 264 votes. Republicans voted unanimously in support of the bill, with 216 votes. 159 Democrats voted against the bill, and 48 Democrats voted in favor of it.
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