Laken Riley Act set to become one of first bills to hit President Trump’s desk
The Laken Riley Act, named after a 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student who was tragically found dead on the University of Georgia’s campus, is expected to be headed back to the House after the Senate likely passes an amended version on Monday night. This legislation is set to be one of the first pieces of legislation sent to President Trump’s desk after overcoming the legislative filibuster’s 60-vote threshold twice this month.
Introduced in the new Congress by Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., in the Senate and Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., in the House, the Laken Riley Act aims to address illegal immigration issues. Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old illegal immigrant, was found guilty of 10 total counts, including felony murder in connection with Laken Riley’s death. He was ultimately sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in November.
The bill would require ICE to arrest and detain illegal immigrants who have committed theft, burglary, shoplifting, and now assault of law enforcement officers until they are deported. States would also be granted standing under the legislation to take civil action against members of the federal government who do not enforce immigration laws.
A Republican amendment was added last week in the Senate that includes assault of law enforcement officers to the list of crimes triggering ICE detainment, and the upper chamber will vote on adding “Sarah’s Law” as an amendment. This legislation, led by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, would require ICE to detain illegal immigrants charged with killing or seriously injuring another person.
The final vote on the immigration bill is expected around 6 p.m. in the upper chamber, and the House will need to approve the final version as amended by the Senate. The prioritization of the bill ahead of Trump’s swearing-in on Monday reflects his administration’s focus on immigration law enforcement as a top goal.
Trump’s administration has already revealed several actions he plans to take on his first day in office, including signing an executive order ending birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants. This, along with other actions addressing the border crisis, underscores the administration’s commitment to immigration reform.
As the Laken Riley Act moves through the legislative process, it remains a significant piece of legislation in the ongoing debate on immigration policy. Stay tuned for updates on this important issue.
