Lubbock Times

House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington expressed his support following the House's approval of H.R.29, known as the Laken Riley Act. This legislation aims to enhance border security and empower state governments in protecting their communities.

Arrington criticized the current administration's handling of border issues, stating, "For four years, the Biden administration’s complete and total surrender of our southern border has decimated communities and families across the country, resulting in the deaths of countless Americans like Laken Riley." He emphasized that under Republican leadership, efforts are being made to secure borders and protect citizens.

The act is named after Laken Riley, a nursing student murdered on February 22, 2024, by Jose Ibarra, an illegal immigrant with prior offenses. The bill proposes changes to federal law requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal aliens involved in theft-related crimes. It also permits state attorneys general to seek legal action against immigration policy failures that negatively impact their states or citizens.

Riley's case highlighted gaps in federal policies; Ibarra had been cited for shoplifting but was not detained by ICE. Arrington believes that if ICE had intervened earlier, Riley might still be alive today. Ibarra was convicted in November 2024 and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

The House passed this legislation with unanimous Republican support and backing from 37 Democrats. However, it did not advance in the Senate during its Democrat majority session.