Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt, representing Alabama and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has introduced her first bill of the 119th Congress, known as the Laken Riley Act. This legislative effort is supported by Senators Ted Budd, John Thune, John Fetterman, and the entire Senate Republican Conference. The act was initially presented in the House by Congressman Mike Collins.

The legislation aims to require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal aliens who commit theft-related offenses until they are deported. It also allows states to take legal action against federal officials who do not enforce immigration laws.

Allyson and John Phillips, parents of Laken Riley, support the bill: “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."

Senator Britt commented on the tragic circumstances surrounding Laken Riley's death: “Last year, Laken Riley was stolen from this earth—from her family and friends and from achieving her dreams—by a brutal, heartless killer.”

Senator Budd emphasized the importance of enforcing immigration laws: “What happened to Laken Riley should never happen to any American citizen."

Majority Leader John Thune expressed urgency for action: “There is an urgent need to take action regarding the border crisis to protect the American people."

Senator Fetterman highlighted systemic failures: “Laken Riley’s story is a tragic reminder of what’s at stake when our systems fail to protect people."

Representative Collins vowed continued efforts for legislative success: "Laken fought until her last breath, and so will I until this bill crosses the finish line."

The entire Senate Republican Conference has cosponsored this act for the current Congress session. Despite previous bipartisan support in the House during the 118th Congress, Senate Democrats blocked its progress.