The Laken Riley Act, a bill named for a murdered Georgia nursing student that would require the detention of undocumented immigrants in the United States who commit specific crimes, was voted down by more than half of the House Democratic Caucus on Thursday.
The bill passed with 214 Republicans and 37 Democrats voting Yay.
“Laken Riley was murdered in cold blood by Jose Ibarra – an illegal alien who had committed previous crimes in NY. This NEVER should have happened & today we voted to to ensure ALL criminal illegals like Ibarra will be arrested & detained. 170 Democrats STILL voted against this,” said Rep. Byron Donalds on X.
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Jose Antonio Ibarra crossed the southern border into El Paso, Texas, and was initially detained but was then released by authorities due to a lack of holding space, as Tampa Free Press reported.
Authorities have charged Ibarra with felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, malice murder, and concealing the death of another.
Riley’s death was discovered after her friend asked UGA police to perform a wellness check after she failed to return from a morning run. UGA Chief of Police Jeff Clark said that Riley died from “blunt force trauma.”
Riley was an active member of Woodstock City Church, a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and a Dean’s List student, according to WSB-TV 2 Atlanta.
The primary purpose of the Laken Riley Act is to strengthen penalties for undocumented individuals accused of criminal activities, especially theft.
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The Act serves as a response to cases like Laken Riley’s, where her accused killer, Jose Ibarra, had previously been cited for shoplifting but was not arrested.
By requiring the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft, the Act aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and protect American citizens from potential harm.
Key Provisions of the Laken Riley Act
The Laken Riley Act incorporates several key provisions that contribute to its overall objectives. These provisions outline the responsibilities of the Secretary of Homeland Security and grant state attorney generals the authority to litigate against the Secretary in cases of alleged violation of the Act’s detention and removal requirements. Let’s explore these provisions in more detail:
1. Detention of Undocumented Immigrants
The Act mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security takes into custody any undocumented immigrants who have been charged with theft. This provision ensures that individuals accused of theft, regardless of their immigration status, are detained and potentially face deportation.
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2. Litigation Authority for State Attorney Generals
The Laken Riley Act empowers state attorney generals to litigate against the Secretary of Homeland Security if they believe there has been a violation of the Act’s detention and removal requirements. This provision allows state attorney generals to hold the federal government accountable for implementing and enforcing the Act effectively.
The passing of the Laken Riley Act in the U.S. House of Representatives has significant implications for immigration policies and enforcement.
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Implications of the Laken Riley Act
1. Strengthened Penalties for Theft
With the Act in place, undocumented individuals accused of theft may face more severe penalties, including detention and potential deportation. This stricter approach towards theft-related crimes committed by undocumented immigrants aims to enhance public safety and deter criminal activities.
2. Potential Reduction in Undocumented Criminal Activity
By detaining and potentially deporting undocumented immigrants charged with theft, the Laken Riley Act may contribute to a reduction in theft-related criminal activity. This could lead to safer communities and a decreased burden on law enforcement agencies.
3. Impact on Immigration Policies
The passing of the Laken Riley Act reflects a growing focus on strengthening immigration policies within the United States. It signals a shift towards stricter enforcement and consequences for undocumented individuals involved in criminal activities.
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