The House has passed a bill titled “Laken Riley Act”. This new bill was named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was killed by an undocumented immigrant. Laken Riley’s death in February 2024 became a motivation for the legislation, highlighting concerns over immigration enforcement and public safety.
This bill allows state attorneys general to sue federal officials if immigration laws aren’t enforced properly. It also requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain undocumented immigrants who are arrested for theft-related crimes.
“From what I remember from civics class, Federal law has supremacy over State law. State law in turn has supremacy over county and city law,” Jeff Strite, a Logasport citizen and Republican, said. “In the case of this law, that the Senate and the Congress have just passed, the Federal government now has the right to remove any illegal immigrant who has committed an act of theft.”
The bill received bipartisan support, passing the House with a 264-159 vote, including votes from 48 Democrats. This cross-party backing reflects a growing consensus on the need for stricter immigration enforcement measures. The Senate has also shown strong bipartisan support, advancing the bill with an 84-9 vote, which indicates a high likelihood of the bill’s passage into law.
“Yes, I support the Laken Riley Act. I believe that the safety of the American people no matter who it may be is important,” president of the Young Republican Club sophomore Yoslen Robaina Santana said. “This bill aims to do that. I don’t believe that any one person is illegal but their actions are, and we can’t ignore that. I sympathize with those looking for a better life, but the ones who commit the crimes are the ones who ruin it. I believe they are the ones that need to be deported.”
Supporters argue that the act will enhance public safety by ensuring that undocumented immigrants who commit crimes are detained and deported preventing potential repeat offenses.
This highlights the importance of respecting laws.
“I think this bill is more than fair. Entering the country illegally is a crime on top of itself, you add a cherry on top when you decide to continue committing crimes,” Robaina-Santana said.
Critics on the other hand express concerns that the Act could lead to overreach by state authorities and strain the federal immigration system. They argue that granting states the ability to sue federal officials may disrupt the balance of power between state and federal governments.
The “Laken Riley Act” is a notable shift in U.S. immigration policy, with lawmakers from both parties responding to public concerns about border security and crime. Its progress through Congress indicates a new approach to handling immigration enforcement.
