Trump signs Laken Riley Act, first bill this term into law

By
Katherine Zehnder
-

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, SB 5, into law, making it the first piece of legislation he has signed since his swearing-in last week. Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC, along with Sen. Katie Britt, R-AL, co-sponsored the bill, which requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take custody of illegal immigrants who have been charged in the US with certain crimes. 

“The American people sent a clear message on November 5th: It is time to return to law and order. President Trump pledged to make American safe again, and his signing of the Laken Riley Act is another promise kept,” said Budd in a press release. “I am grateful to have led this legislation with Senator Katie Britt, John Fetterman, and Majority Leader John Thune.”

The bill is named after a nursing student who was tragically stabbed to death on February 22, 2024, while jogging on the University of Georgia campus. Jose Ibarra, an undocumented migrant from Venezuela with a prior shoplifting citation from the Athens Police Department, was convicted of her murder.

“She was a light of warmth and kindness,” Trump said during the signing, according to an AP report. “It’s a tremendous tribute to your daughter what’s taking place today, that’s all I can say. It’s so sad we have to be doing it.”

Last week, the US House of Representatives voted 263-156, with 46 Democrats crossing party lines to vote with Republicans. to pass the final version of SB 5 before sending it to Trump’s desk.

Rep. Don Davis, NC-01, was the only Democrat in the House representing North Carolina to vote in favor of the bill. 

Allyson Phillips, Riley’s mother, who thanked everyone who pushed to advance the legislation, was present at the signing. Riley’s father and sister were also present. 

“We also want to thank President Trump for the promises he made us,” said Phillips, according to Fox News. “He said he would secure our borders and that he would never forget about Laken. And he hasn’t. He’s a man of his word.” 

The companion bill in the House, HR 29, was led by Rep. Mike Collins, R-GA, and was passed earlier in January. Collins was also present at the signing.

The post Trump signs Laken Riley Act, first bill this term into law first appeared on Carolina Journal.

 

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