Graham, 53 Colleagues Introduce Laken Riley Act

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) joined his colleagues to introduce the Laken Riley Act. Companion legislation passed the House of Representatives yesterday. The Senate is expected to vote to begin debate on the Laken Riley Act on Friday.

"We must learn from horrific events like the murder of Laken Riley and take corrective action," said Senator Graham. "This bill achieves that goal. I am very proud of the leadership Senator Britt has brought to the table on this issue, and I look forward to getting this bill passed through the Senate."

"Last year, Laken Riley was stolen from this earth-from her family and friends and from achieving her dreams-by a brutal, heartless killer. Make no mistake-he never should have been in the United States, much less allowed to freely roam American streets after being charged with multiple crimes. Laken's murder was the direct consequence of willful open border policies," said Senator Britt.

"It's impossible to fully describe what was taken from Laken and from our family on February 22, 2024. Laken's life was abundantly and exceptionally full of promise. She was a beautiful, shining beacon in the life of everyone who knew her. Not only did the people who knew and loved Laken lose a beautiful soul, but so did our world. Laken shared her love for Jesus with everyone she encountered. Laken's passion for sharing her faith through acts of kindness were felt by everyone she met. Laken was selfless, hardworking and made those around her feel special. Laken did not just talk about her faith, she led by example," said Allyson and John Phillips, Laken Riley's mother and stepfather. "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. Laken would have been 23 on January 10th. There is no greater gift that could be given to her and our country than to continue her legacy by saving lives through this bill. Every single member of Congress should be able to get behind this purely commonsense bill that will make our country and communities safer. We thank Congressman Mike Collins, Senator Katie Britt, and Senator Ted Budd for continuing to work to honor Laken's legacy and get this legislation enacted into law."

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) led the introduction of the bill. It is cosponsored by the entire Senate Republican conference and U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania).

Background on the Laken Riley Act:

• Laken Riley's murderer entered the country illegally. He was arrested for committing another crime, but subsequently released. President Biden has the authority to require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses. To date, Biden has been largely unwilling to exercise that authority. The Laken Riley Act would close a loophole in the law requiring ICE to arrest and detain illegal aliens who commit these crimes and mandate that these aliens are detained until they are removed from the United States so they cannot re-offend and commit further crimes. Additionally, this legislation would ensure that states have standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration law or who violate the law.
• Graham previously helped introduce this bill in the 118^th Congress.

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