Bipartisan ‘Laken Riley Act’ Aims to Strengthen Immigration Enforcement and Public Safety

Republican and Democrat symbols on American flag.

In a surprising move, Senator John Fetterman joins Republicans to introduce the ‘Laken Riley Act,’ aiming to strengthen immigration enforcement and public safety.

At a Glance

  • The Laken Riley Act requires ICE to detain illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting until removal
  • Senator John Fetterman is the only Senate Democrat to co-sponsor the bill
  • The legislation allows states to sue federal officials who fail to enforce immigration laws
  • The Act is named after Laken Riley, a student murdered by an illegal alien
  • The bill passed the House with bipartisan support but faces challenges in the Senate

Bipartisan Effort to Close Immigration Enforcement Loopholes

U.S. Senator Katie Britt introduced the Laken Riley Act in the 119th Congress, garnering support from Senators Ted Budd, John Thune, John Fetterman, and the entire Senate Republican Conference. The legislation aims to address a critical gap in immigration enforcement by requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest and detain illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting until they are removed from the United States.

The Act is named after Laken Riley, a nursing student tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant who had previously been arrested for shoplifting but released. This case highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of immigration laws to prevent similar crimes in the future.

Unprecedented Democratic Support

In an unexpected turn of events, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has become the only Senate Democrat to co-sponsor the bill. This move has sparked discussions about the potential for bipartisan cooperation on immigration reform.

“Laken Riley’s story is a tragic reminder of what’s at stake when our systems fail to protect people. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to preventable violence. I support giving authorities the tools to prevent tragedies like this one while we work on comprehensive solutions to our broken system.” – Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA)

The House has already passed the bill with a vote of 264-159, including support from 48 Democrats. However, the Senate requires at least eight Democrats to join Republicans to overcome a 60-vote filibuster, making Fetterman’s support crucial but not yet sufficient for passage.

Empowering State Enforcement and Addressing Concerns

A key provision of the Laken Riley Act allows states to bring civil actions against federal officials who do not enforce immigration laws. This measure aims to ensure accountability and consistent application of immigration policies across the country.

“It’s impossible to fully describe what was taken from Laken and from our family on February 22, 2024. Laken’s life was abundantly and exceptionally full of promise. She was a beautiful, shining beacon in the life of everyone who knew her. Not only did the people who knew and loved Laken lose a beautiful soul, but so did our world. Laken shared her love for Jesus with everyone she encountered. Laken’s passion for sharing her faith through acts of kindness were felt by everyone she met. Laken was selfless, hardworking and made those around her feel special. Laken did not just talk about her faith, she led by example,” said Allyson and John Phillips, Laken Riley’s mother and stepfather. “The Laken Riley Act has our full support because it would help save innocent lives and prevent more families from going through the kind of heartbreak we’ve experienced. Laken would have been 23 on January 10th. There is no greater gift that could be given to her and our country than to continue her legacy by saving lives through this bill. Every single member of Congress should be able to get behind this purely commonsense bill that will make our country and communities safer. We thank Congressman Mike Collins, Senator Katie Britt, and Senator Ted Budd for continuing to work to honor Laken’s legacy and get this legislation enacted into law.”

While the Act has gained significant support, some Democrats have expressed reservations. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) criticized the bill as potentially leading to unproductive lawsuits. However, proponents argue that the legislation is a necessary step to enhance community safety and prevent tragedies like Laken Riley’s murder.

Looking Ahead

As the Senate prepares to vote on the Laken Riley Act, all eyes are on potential swing-state Democratic senators who may support the bill. The vote, coinciding with what would have been Riley’s 23rd birthday, carries significant emotional weight for supporters and the victim’s family.

“The American people did not just deliver a mandate on November 5th, they delivered a verdict. They made it clear they want to remove criminal illegal aliens and protect American families. We will soon know whether Democrats hear, respect, and obey that verdict. Congress has an obligation to Laken, her family, and to families in every corner of our country to do everything in our power to help prevent this type of tragedy from occurring again. That’s why it’s imperative we pass the commonsense Laken Riley Act with all due haste. No other American family needs to feel the pain Laken’s family still feels 320 days after losing her.” – Britt

The Laken Riley Act represents a significant test of bipartisan cooperation on immigration reform. Its fate in the Senate will likely shape future discussions on border security and public safety measures.

Sources:

  1. U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Ted Budd, John Thune, John Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Laken Riley Act in 119th Congress
  2. Senate Democrats wrestle with Republicans’ Laken Riley Act to combat illegal immigration | News | gazette.com
  3. Fetterman backs GOP-led Laken Riley Act: ‘Tools to prevent tragedies’
  4. Democrat John Fetterman Joins Republicans to Sponsor ‘Laken Riley Act’

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