Yavapai News

On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Laken Riley Act, a bill mandating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to take custody of illegal aliens charged with theft-related crimes. The legislation is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered by an illegal alien on the University of Georgia's campus in February 2024.

The bill was introduced last year by Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) and received bipartisan support in the House. However, it did not progress in the Democrat-controlled Senate during the previous Congress.

The proposed law aims to amend federal regulations to require ICE to issue detainers for illegal aliens involved in theft-related offenses as defined by state and local laws. It also empowers state attorneys general to sue the Secretary of Homeland Security for injunctive relief if immigration policy failures harm their state or citizens.

This legislative effort addresses issues highlighted by Laken Riley's murder case. Her murderer, Jose Ibarra, an illegal alien previously cited for shoplifting by Athens Police Department, could have been detained if ICE had been notified and issued a detainer. Ibarra was convicted in November 2024 and sentenced to life without parole.

Rep. Eli Crane expressed satisfaction with the House's approval of the bill: “I’m pleased to report that the Laken Riley Act passed out of the House of Representatives. This bill will protect our communities and give our law enforcement agencies the resources they need to prevent avoidable tragedies.” He criticized opposition from some Democrats: “It’s appalling that 159 Democrats sided with criminal aliens by voting against this commonsense measure." Crane also commended Rep. Mike Collins for his leadership and anticipated swift passage in the Senate before reaching President Trump's desk.