Lubbock Times

Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Laken Riley Act (S.5), sending it to President Trump for signing into law.

"The Laken Riley Act is officially heading to President Trump’s desk to become the law of the land," stated House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19). "This is the kind of decisive, common-sense leadership you can expect from unified Republicans as we move into this new Golden Age of America. The days of putting our communities last and criminals first are over. This legislation gives law enforcement the tools they need to keep dangerous illegals off the streets and empowers state governments to protect their people."

The House version, H.R.29, was initially passed on January 7, 2025, before being amended and returned for final approval. S.5 includes amendments adding two crime categories that require ICE detainers: crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury and assault on a law enforcement officer.

Named after Laken Riley, a nursing student murdered by an illegal alien at the University of Georgia on February 22, 2024, the act aims to amend federal law requiring ICE detainers for illegal aliens committing theft-related crimes and allows state attorneys general to sue for injunctive relief against immigration policy failures.

The bill addresses federal policy shortcomings related to Riley's murder by Jose Ibarra, who had previous shoplifting citations but was not detained by ICE. Ibarra was convicted in November 2024 and sentenced to life without parole.

In March 2024, every Republican and 37 Democrats supported this legislation in the House; however, it did not advance in the Democrat-majority Senate.