The Warren Sun

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, ahead of President Biden’s State of the Union, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act. Representative John James (MI-10) was a cosponsor of the bill and voted in favor of this legislation.

The bill, named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who was tragically murdered by an undocumented immigrant, aims to address the issue of undocumented individuals charged with certain crimes being released rather than detained. The legislation specifically targets individuals charged with theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting, requiring them to be held in custody by the Department of Homeland Security.

In response to the passage of the Laken Riley Act, Rep. James emphasized the importance of the bill in preventing future tragedies like that of Laken Riley. He stated, “Laken Riley’s death was entirely preventable and never should have occurred. Her eventual murderer was detained and released not once, but twice, before he took Laken’s life. The Laken Riley Act is an essential step in assuring that no family must experience what the Riley family has ever again. Anybody who illegally enters the United States and commits a crime should be removed from the United States. Full stop."

The passing of the Laken Riley Act signifies a significant step in addressing the issue of undocumented individuals charged with specific crimes and aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that those who commit crimes are not released back into the community.