In The News

Originally published by WRDW

WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Laken Riley Act to arrest and detain undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes — a bill named for the Augusta University nursing student who was murdered on the University of Georgia campus in 2024.

The measure was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., by a vote of 264-159 — 48 Democrats supported the bill, as did the entire GOP caucus.

Collins’ bill last year passed the House by a 251-170 vote, but its Senate companion bill did not make it through the other legislative chamber.

The legislation would require federal officials to arrest undocumented immigrants who commit theft, burglary, larceny or shoplifting offenses and would mandate they are detained until they are removed from the United States. It would also allow states to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration law or who violate the law.

Collins’ bill would also allow state attorneys general to sue the Secretary of Homeland Security for relief if immigration actions such as parole, violation of detention requirements or other policy failures harm that state or its citizens.

Rep. Rick Allen, R-Augusta, supported the bill on the House floor.

“It has been almost one year since we lost Laken Hope Riley, a beloved daughter, Augusta University nursing student, Georgian, and vibrant soul with her whole life ahead of her,” he said. “While Laken’s family and loved ones continue to mourn this heartwrenching loss at the hands of a violent illegal alien, we know more must be done to prevent such tragedies from occurring.” He urged senators to pass the measure in their chamber. 

Jose Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant who federal officials confirmed was in the U.S. illegally, was convicted last year in the murder of former University of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley.

Ibarra was convicted of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call and concealing the death of another in connection to the death of 22-year-old Riley.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed Ibarra “was paroled due to detention capacity at the Central Processing Center in El Paso, TX,” and ICE officials have said Ibarra entered the U.S. illegally.

Riley was attacked near running trails on the UGA campus. Police found her body after a friend told police she had not returned from her morning run, authorities said.

The issue of immigration was a key focus in President-elect Donald Trump’s successful quest to reclaim the White House.

Collins’ office said the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on a companion bill later this week, ahead of Trump’s inauguration next week as the nation’s 47th president.