ALBUQUERQUE, JANUARY 7-Today, Congress successfully passed the Laken Riley Act, with unanimous support from Republicans and 48 Democrats backing the legislation. However, New Mexico's Democrat representatives-Gabe Vasquez, Melanie Stansbury, and Teresa Leger Fernandez-once again voted against this vital legislation. Their decision to oppose the Laken Riley Act, designed to protect New Mexicans from the consequences of an open border, is particularly disturbing for representatives of a border state. This bill is crucial for holding illegal immigrants accountable for their crimes and preventing future victims.

The Laken Riley Act, named in memory of a tragic victim of crime, nursing student Laken Riley, who was killed by an illegal immigrant while jogging at the University of Georgia, has been brought forth in the 119th Congress as an urgent response to ongoing border violence and crime. This legislation represents a decisive step towards ensuring that criminals who take advantage of the open border and then commit crimes in our country are able to be detained and deported.

In response to the representatives' vote, Ash Soular, a spokeswoman for the Republican Party of New Mexico, stated, "The Democrat Party has made it clear they stand in complete contrast to the Republican Party when it comes to crime and border security. All three Democrat representatives, and also including Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, want a New Mexico where illegal immigrants can commit vicious crimes like murder, rape and theft without fear of punishment. The refusal of our Democrat representatives to support the Laken Riley Act, not once but twice, sends a dangerous message that they prioritize the interests of those who break our laws over the citizens they are supposed to protect. Republicans support ending the lawless open border, reinforcing legal immigration pathways, and putting the needs of New Mexicans first."

As crime rates continue to soar and communities face increasing threats, the call for stronger immigration enforcement has never been more urgent and New Mexico Republicans will continue to prioritize legislation that protects our communities and holds criminals accountable in the upcoming legislative session.