New GOP proposal builds off Laken Riley Act
Legislation will be introduced on Tuesday to expand the list of crimes that would require a migrant to be taken into custody. The proposed “Safeguarding American Property Act” aims to include arson, vandalism, and trespassing as offenses that would mandate individuals in the country illegally to be placed into federal custody.
Representative Troy Downing, a Republican from Montana, emphasized the importance of property rights in American society. He stated, “Those who disregard our laws by committing acts of vandalism or trespassing on private property, especially those who broke our laws crossing our borders, must not be allowed to remain.” Downing further added that the bill builds on the Laken Riley Act and serves as a step towards addressing the border crisis instigated during the Biden administration.
The legislation seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, with a specific focus on assisting rural communities that may have limited law enforcement resources to protect property. Many properties along the southern border have suffered damage due to the influx of migrants during the previous administration, prompting Texas to establish the Landowner Compensation Program to aid affected agricultural communities.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton highlighted the detrimental impact of illegal aliens crossing the border on Texas agricultural land. The Landowner Compensation Program was designed to offer relief to Texans whose property is damaged by individuals entering the country without legal permission.
The proposed act builds upon the Laken Riley Act, signed into law by former President Donald Trump, which enabled federal authorities to detain illegal immigrants for potential deportation if they were involved in theft, similar criminal charges, or assaulting an officer.
The Laken Riley Act was named after a 22-year-old nursing student who was tragically killed by an illegal immigrant while jogging on the University of Georgia campus. The perpetrator, Jose Ibarra, had a history of arrests but had not been taken into custody by ICE. This incident prompted Trump to emphasize the importance of preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, the “Safeguarding American Property Act” aims to strengthen enforcement measures against individuals who commit crimes such as arson, vandalism, and trespassing. By expanding the list of offenses that require detention, the legislation seeks to protect property rights and promote public safety. The proposed act draws inspiration from previous legislation, including the Laken Riley Act, in addressing issues related to illegal immigration and criminal activities.
