Killing of Laken Riley is now front and center of the 2024 presidential race.
Laken Riley Act
via C-SPAN
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Laken Riley Act” by a vote of 251-170.
The bill
via NBC News
Named after a 22-year-old Georgia woman murdered by an illegal immigrant, the bill would require detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants charged with theft.
All Republicans and 37 Democrats
via NBC News
All Republicans and 37 Democrats voted for the measure, while 170 Democrats opposed it over concerns about detainee rights.
170 House Democrats
via NBC News
“170 House Democrats just voted against the Laken Riley Act, refusing to require the detention and deportation of illegal immigrants who have been caught committing a crime,” Speaker Mike Johnson wrote on X. “Sadly, if these Democrats have their way, there will be more victims like Laken Riley.”
The act
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The “Laken Riley Act” would “require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes.”
IT’S OFFICIAL
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“IT’S OFFICIAL: The Laken Riley Act has passed the House of Representatives on a bipartisan basis. 37 Democrats joined all Republicans in support of this bill and condemning Joe Biden’s handling of our southern border!” said Rep. Mike Collins. “I now urge the Senate to take up this bill immediately. Please help us ensure justice for Laken and give ICE more tools to detain and deport criminal illegal aliens before they commit more serious crimes.”
Prevent future crimes
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The legislation aims to prevent future crimes like Laken Riley’s murder by mandating Homeland Security take custody of immigrants charged with theft.
Allows states to sue
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It also allows states to sue the federal government if released immigrants harm residents. Laken’s suspected killer had previously been released despite theft charges in New York and Georgia.
Biden should denounce
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Supporters say President Biden should denounce lax immigration policies that enabled her death and secure borders to prevent similar murders by ending catch-and-release of criminal undocumented migrants. “To have someone detained without that due process, I think is un-American,” Rep. Ro Khanna said.
The Biden administration
via Fox News
“The Biden administration should not have released Laken Riley’s alleged murderer into the United States; The Biden administration should have arrested and detained Laken Riley’s alleged murderer after he was charged with crimes in New York, New York, and Athens, Georgia; President Biden should publicly denounce his administration’s immigration policies that resulted in the murder of Laken Riley; and President Biden should prevent another murder like that of Laken Riley by ending the catch-and-release of illegal aliens, increasing immigration enforcement, detaining and removing criminal aliens, reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy, ending his abuse of parole authority, and securing the United States borders,” the bill states.
The bill now moves
via NBC News
The bill now moves to the Senate for another vote before heading to Biden’s desk.
Laken Hope Riley
via NBC News
Laken Hope Riley, a 22-year-old who was tragically killed while jogging on the University of Georgia campus, has become a symbol of immigration reform for many conservatives. During the State of the Union address, President Biden displayed a pin with Riley’s name in response to U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene calling out, “Say her name!”
Significant campaign topic
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Immigration has become a significant campaign topic, causing division and resource strain in cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston due to settling migrants and those crossing the southern border.
Republicans argue
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Republicans argue that inadequately vetted migrants with criminal histories are being released into communities, endangering U.S. citizens. The Georgia incident has been highlighted by Republicans in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election to support their assertions.
Riley’s killing
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Riley’s killing is “gonna change this election as much as anything,” U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham said. “That’s a parent’s worst nightmare,” he added.
Riley
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Riley, a vibrant individual, grew up in Atlanta’s suburbs, excelled at River Ridge High School in Cherokee County, and pursued her passion for nursing at Augusta University after starting at the University of Georgia. Described as infectiously joyful and dedicated to caring for others, she was deeply involved in her sorority and church missions. Riley’s funeral, attended by many, reflected the impact she had on her community and beyond, with tributes emphasizing her academic and athletic achievements, as well as her spiritual devotion.
Tragically attacked
via NBC News
Laken Hope Riley was tragically attacked and killed near running trails on the University of Georgia campus. Police discovered her body following a report from a friend when she did not return from her morning run.
The assailant
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The assailant, who had no prior connection to Riley, committed the crime as an act of opportunity, according to University of Georgia Police Chief Jeff Clark. Riley succumbed to blunt force trauma in the attack, with authorities highlighting the random nature of the incident.
Following the tragic death
via NBC News
Following the tragic death of Laken Hope Riley, Athens detectives identified a suspect wearing a distinct Adidas hat from surveillance footage.
Jose Ibarra
via NBC News
This led them to an off-campus apartment complex where they discovered details about Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022.
Faces multiple charges
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Ibarra faces multiple charges, including murder-related offenses, and is currently detained in an Athens jail.
