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Laken Riley Act Heads to President Trump to be Signed into Law

House Approves Final Version of Bill to Strengthen Immigration Enforcement, Border Security

Washington, D.C. ­– Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) on Wednesday applauded House passage of the final version of the Laken Riley Act, legislation to strengthen immigration enforcement and border security. The Laken Riley Act now heads to President Donald Trump to be his first bill signed into law as the 47th President.

“The final version of the Laken Riley Act contains critical provisions to further strengthen our nation’s immigration enforcement and border security,” 
said Congressman Moran. “I look forward to President Trump swiftly signing this important legislation into law and sending a resounding message to the world that this new Administration and the Republican Congress will not be deterred in our mission to crack down on illegal immigration, secure the border, and protect our citizens. Americans sent a resounding message in November, and the Republican trifecta is delivering on the mandate we have been given.”

The Laken Riley Act was named after Laken Hope Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who was brutally murdered by an illegal alien who was still in the U.S. even after he had been cited for theft.
 This bill would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses so they cannot reoffend and commit further crimes. This legislation would also ensure states have standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration law or who violate the law.

The final version of the Laken Riley Act includes additional provisions added by the Senate:

  • Senator John Cornyn’s (R-TX) amendment expanded the list of criminal offenses in the bill to include assault of a law enforcement officer.
  • Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-IA) Sarah’s Law requires the detention of illegal aliens who commit a crime that results in death or serious bodily injury.

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