Senator Marshall and GOP Colleagues Introduce Laken Riley Act in 119th Congress

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., joined his Senate Republican colleagues in re-introducing the Laken Riley Act.

The Laken Riley Act would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses and would mandate that these aliens are detained until they are removed from the United States so they cannot re-offend and commit further crimes. This legislation would also ensure that states have the standing to bring civil action against federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration law or violate the law.

"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."

Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Katie Britt (R-AL), Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), John Fetterman (D-PA), led the reintroduction of this meaningful legislation with the full support of the entire Senate Republican Conference.

Throughout his time in Congress, Senator Marshall has been an outspoken champion for securing our southern border and preventing violent criminals from infiltrating American communities and endangering our families. In March, Senator Marshall went to the Senate Floor to call for the immediate passage of the Laken Riley Act in the 118th Congress. Senate Democrats blocked the measure from passing by unanimous consent. Last October, Senator Marshall introduced the BE GONE Act after it was revealed the Biden Administration allowed over 16,000 known sex offenders to enter the United States across our southern border. The BE GONE Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence as crimes that are defined as "aggravated felonies."

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