Trump Signs Laken Riley Act to Strengthen Immigration Enforcement
President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law on 29 January 2025, marking the first legislative victory of his second term. The bill, named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was murdered by an undocumented immigrant in 2023, aims to strengthen immigration enforcement by requiring the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes such as theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting. The act also allows states to sue the federal government over alleged failures in immigration enforcement.
The legislation passed the House with a 263-156 vote, supported by 46 Democrats, and cleared the Senate with a 64-35 vote, including 12 Democrats. Trump praised Riley as “a light of warmth and kindness” and credited her death with uniting lawmakers across party lines. Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, expressed gratitude for the legislation, stating, “Our only hope moving forward is that her life saves lives.”
The Laken Riley Act has sparked debate over its potential impact on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resources, with estimates suggesting it could require the detention of 60,000 individuals. Critics argue it could strain ICE’s capacity, while supporters, including Democratic Senator John Fetterman, emphasise its role in addressing violent immigrant crime. The bill’s passage reflects broader efforts by the Trump administration to tighten border security and crack down on illegal immigration, including plans to expand detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay.
Trump signs the Laken Riley Act into law
The Laken Riley Act, named for the slain nursing school student who was attacked and killed by a Venezuelan citizen who had entered the U.S. illegally
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What to know about the Laken Riley Act
The new law could lead to the detention of 60,000 undocumented immigrants.
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Laken Riley's mom says Trump didn't forget her daughter as bill is signed
The Laken Riley Act is aimed at detaining more illegal immigrants, including those accused of theft and burglary.
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Trump signs first bill of his second presidency, the Laken Riley Act, into law
The bill is named for a Georgia nursing student who was killed last year by a Venezuelan man without legal status who had a criminal record.
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Laken Riley Act: Illegal immigration front and center as Trump signs his 1st bill into law
Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act on Wednesday as the president approves a series of initiatives meant to tackle his goal of curbing illegal imm
abc7.com
President Trump signs Laken Riley Act, his first law since White House return
Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, empowering immigration officers to detain unauthorized immigrants when they're arrested for crimes.
www.usatoday.com
Meet the self-described ‘raging misogynist’ giving legal advice to the Trump administration
Andrew Kloster, the Office of Personnel Management’s new general counsel, has a long trail of reprehensible online comments and social media posts, su
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