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In a significant legislative milestone, President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday signed into law the Laken Riley Act, marking the first bill enacted during his tenure as the 47th President of the United States. This bipartisan legislation represents the most substantial reform in immigration enforcement and border security in nearly three decades.
The Laken Riley Act mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants who commit offenses such as theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting, as well as assault on law enforcement officers or any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The law also empowers states to initiate civil actions against federal officials who fail to enforce immigration laws or who violate them.
Senator Katie Britt, R-Ala., the bill’s sponsor, expressed her honor in witnessing the President’s signing of the Act. “Today, I was honored to join President Trump as he signed the Laken Riley Act into law. This landmark bill is historic for many reasons, including the fact this was the first bill he signed into law as the 47th President,” said Senator Britt. “Alongside President Trump, Republican majorities in Congress are turning promises made into promises kept. I’m incredibly proud of the bipartisan, lifesaving legislation we were able to achieve to protect American families and honor the life and legacy of Laken Riley. This is an incredible first step toward making America safe again, and I will continue fighting to strengthen border security and interior immigration enforcement.”
The Act includes provisions from Senator John Cornyn’s, R-Texas, POLICE Act, expanding the list of criminal offenses covered to include assault of a law enforcement officer. Additionally, it incorporates an amendment mirroring Senator Joni Ernst’s, R-Iowa, legislation, Sarah’s Law, which requires the detention of illegal aliens who commit any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury. Sarah’s Law is named after Sarah Root, who was killed in a 2016 car crash by an illegal alien whom ICE had declined to detain during the Obama administration.
Senator Ted Budd, R-N.C., a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized the American people’s demand for a return to law and order. “The American people sent a clear message on November 5th: It is time to return to law and order. President Trump pledged to make America safe again, and his signing of the Laken Riley Act is another promise kept. I am grateful to have led this legislation with Senator Katie Britt, John Fetterman, and Majority Leader John Thune,” said Senator Budd.
The Act is named in honor of Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was tragically killed by an illegal immigrant. Her death became a focal point in discussions about immigration enforcement and border security.
While the legislation received bipartisan support, it has faced criticism from immigrants’ rights advocates who argue that it could lead to mass roundups and is seen as punitive and discriminatory. Critics also contend that it does little to address crime and perpetuates an outdated immigration system.
As the Laken Riley Act becomes law, it signifies a renewed focus on strengthening immigration enforcement and enhancing public safety across the nation.
