Today, the House passed H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act, legislation named after a young woman who was attacked and killed by an illegal immigrant while she was on a jog. The suspect had been paroled and released into the United States after crossing the border illegally in August of 2022. A year later, he was arrested in New York for “acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17.” Again, he was released. In October 2023, he was arrested for shoplifting – only to be released yet again on citation. The Laken Riley Act protects American communities by requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement to issue detainers and take custody of illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, and shoplifting offenses. Congresswoman Bice supported similar legislation when it first passed the House on March 7th of last year, but it failed to receive a vote in the Senate.
Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:
“I was proud to vote in favor of this crucial legislation. Over the last four years, illegal migrants have poured across our open borders without consequence. No family should ever have to go through what Laken Riley’s family has endured. This is a critical first step in restoring the safety of Americans from migrants who have committed criminal acts.”
