Laken Riley Act: House poised to pass 1st bill of 119th Congress
House Republicans are making a strong push to pass the Laken Riley Act, a bill named after a nursing student who was tragically killed by an illegal immigrant while jogging on the University of Georgia’s campus. The bill, if passed, would require federal immigration authorities to detain illegal immigrants found guilty of theft-related crimes and allow states to sue the Department of Homeland Security for harm caused to their citizens due to illegal immigration.
Jose Ibarra, the individual responsible for Riley’s murder, had been previously arrested but was not detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The bill initially passed the House with bipartisan support, with all voting Republicans and 37 Democrats voting in favor. However, it was not taken up in the Senate under the leadership of then-Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise emphasized the importance of holding the Biden Administration accountable for their role in such tragedies through their open border policies. The bill aims to mandate ICE to detain illegal aliens who commit theft and allows states to sue the Federal government on behalf of their citizens for not enforcing border laws.
House Republicans are determined to secure the border and protect American communities, as they prepare to take over all the levers of power in Washington, D.C. with the upcoming change in leadership. The Senate is also expected to vote on the bill this week, as part of the broader effort by Republicans to strengthen border security measures.
This legislative initiative underscores the ongoing debate over immigration policies and enforcement measures in the United States. The tragic incident that led to the death of Laken Riley has galvanized support for stricter enforcement and accountability measures, particularly in cases involving illegal immigrants committing serious crimes.
As the political landscape shifts and new leadership takes office, the focus on border security and immigration issues remains a key priority for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. The Laken Riley Act represents a significant step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that the safety and well-being of American citizens are protected.
