Trump Signs Law to Detain Immigrants, Calling it a Step to Save American Lives
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed into law the Laken Riley Act, a new immigration detention measure he claims will save the lives of “countless innocent Americans.” The law, named after Laken Riley, a nursing student murdered by a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally, is seen as a significant step in Trump’s second term immigration agenda.
The bill, which passed the House in a 263-156 vote, was backed by both Republicans and 46 Democrats. It had earlier cleared the Senate with a 64-35 vote, where 12 Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the measure. The bill’s passage is considered Trump’s first major legislative win in his second term.
In his remarks at the White House during the signing ceremony, Trump took a victory lap, asserting that his immigration policies had played a key role in securing his re-election. He expressed gratitude to both Republican and Democratic lawmakers who helped bring the bill to fruition.
Trump also took time to honor Laken Riley, calling her a “light of warmth and kindness.” He praised her family for their strength in advocating for the bill and acknowledged the challenge of bringing together bipartisan support for such a contentious issue.
“This is not easy to do,” Trump said, noting that Riley’s legacy had united both parties in support of the legislation. He concluded by saying that America would “never ever forget Laken Hope Riley.”
The law is named after Laken Riley, who was tragically killed last year in Athens, Georgia, by a Venezuelan citizen who had entered the U.S. illegally. The individual, who had previously been arrested multiple times, was convicted of the murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Trump cited the case, including the suspect’s prior release after being charged in New York and stealing in Georgia, as evidence that stricter immigration enforcement is necessary.
The Laken Riley Act mandates that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain undocumented immigrants who are arrested, charged, or convicted of crimes such as burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Trump emphasized that the law would help prevent future crimes committed by individuals who have entered the country illegally and hailed it as an important step in his ongoing efforts to curb illegal immigration.
Critics of the bill, however, argue that it could lead to the detainment of many undocumented immigrants who may have committed nonviolent offenses, raising concerns about its impact on immigrant communities. Despite this, the Trump administration and supporters of the bill argue that the law is crucial to ensuring public safety and holding accountable those who pose a threat to American citizens.
