Duval Times

Senator Katie Britt expressed, “Make no mistake – Laken Riley’s heartbreaking murder was a direct, preventable consequence of willful open border policies by President Biden and his administration. This commonsense legislation would ensure ICE detains and deports criminal illegal aliens, so more innocent American families do not have to face this kind of unimaginable tragedy.”

Senator Ted Budd echoed this sentiment, stating, “States should be able to protect their citizens from the Biden administration’s lawless, open border policies by seeking relief in federal court. That’s why I am joining Senator Britt to introduce the Senate version of the Laken Riley Act. We simply cannot tolerate any more senseless tragedies like this one. What happened to Laken Riley should never happen to any American citizen.”

Representative Mike Collins emphasized, "The Laken Riley Act passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly and on a bipartisan basis. I am grateful to Senator Britt for taking the lead on getting this vital legislation through the Senate so we can put Laken Riley's name on Joe Biden's desk and take a step toward preventing this from happening to another American."

The Laken Riley Act, introduced by Senators Rick Scott, Katie Britt, and Ted Budd, aims to require ICE to arrest illegal aliens who commit specific offenses and ensure their detention until removal from the United States. The bill also grants states the authority to take civil actions against federal officials who fail to enforce immigration laws.

The Senate cosponsors are urging for immediate consideration and a vote on the Laken Riley Act, following its bipartisan passage in the House. The legislation is seen as a crucial step towards preventing tragedies like the murder of Laken Hope Riley, as mentioned in a letter addressed to the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

A list of original cosponsors of the bill includes several prominent figures such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senators Marsha Blackburn, Lindsey Graham, and Tim Scott, among others.

The full text of the bill and further details can be accessed on the official Senate website.