By Joe
2.5-minute read
In a significant move to address illegal immigration, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law on Wednesday, granting immigration authorities the power to detain undocumented immigrants upon their arrest for criminal offenses. This marks the first legislation signed by Trump in his second term, following his campaign promises to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and implement large-scale deportations to combat what he has repeatedly described as an "invasion" of migrants.
“This is a landmark law we’re enacting today,” Trump declared during a ceremony at the White House. “It will save countless innocent American lives and ensure the safety of our communities.”
The law is named in honor of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who was tragically killed on February 22, 2024, while jogging in Athens, Georgia. The suspect, a Venezuelan national who was in the country illegally, had previously been arrested for shoplifting but was not detained by immigration authorities. Riley’s death became a focal point for Trump and Republicans during the 2024 election, symbolizing the broader debate over border security and immigration enforcement.
“America will never forget Laken Hope Riley,” Trump said solemnly. “This horrific tragedy should never have happened. As president, I am committed to fighting every single day to ensure such a senseless loss of life never occurs again.”
The Laken Riley Act mandates that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain individuals without legal status who are arrested, charged, or accused of specific crimes, including burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, or assaulting a law enforcement officer. Notably, the law does not require a conviction—only an accusation—to trigger detention and deportation proceedings.
During the signing ceremony in the White House East Room, Allyson Phillips, Laken Riley’s mother, sat alongside Vice President JD Vance in the front row. Fighting back tears, Phillips expressed her gratitude to Trump for fulfilling his promises.
“He told us he would secure our borders and that he would never forget Laken,” Phillips said. “And he hasn’t, because he’s a man of his word.”
“That’s why I’m standing here today instead of someone else,” Trump remarked, emphasizing the critical role immigration played in the 2024 election. “In fact, it’s the biggest reason—I believe it’s the single most important issue that brought me here.”
The bill garnered bipartisan support in Congress, passing the Senate with a 65-34 vote, including backing from 12 Democrats in swing states—a reflection of the growing political pressure surrounding border security. In the House, it passed with a 264-159 margin, with 48 Democrats voting in favor. The legislation underscores the shifting dynamics of immigration policy and the increasing accountability faced by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
The bill-signing ceremony drew a mix of bipartisan attendees, including Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat who supported the legislation. He joined several Republican lawmakers, such as Senator Katie Britt of Alabama and Representative Mike Collins of Georgia, both of whom were key sponsors of the bill. Their presence highlighted the rare cross-party collaboration on an issue that has increasingly become a focal point in national politics.
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