It’s about time Congress put its foot down and sent a clear message: if you’re an illegal immigrant who breaks the law, you’re going to face the consequences. That’s exactly what the GOP-led House did this week by passing a stronger version of the “Laken Riley Act,” a piece of legislation that finally prioritizes the safety of American citizens over the political correctness and open-border fantasies of the left. With a 263-156 vote (and yes, even 46 Democrats grudgingly joined in), this bill now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for what will undoubtedly be his swift signature. This is a win for law and order, plain and simple.
The “Laken Riley Act,” named after a 22-year-old nursing student brutally murdered by an illegal immigrant, isn’t just a bill—it’s a promise to protect Americans from the very real consequences of lax border policies. Jose Ibarra, the illegal immigrant who killed Riley, was already on law enforcement’s radar for shoplifting, but thanks to the negligence of our broken immigration system, he wasn’t detained by ICE. Instead, he remained free, only to commit far worse crimes. If that isn’t a wake-up call, what is?
This bill would require Homeland Security to detain illegal immigrants charged with or convicted of crimes—yes, even those who admit to them. And let’s be honest, that’s not exactly a high bar to clear. We’re not talking about jaywalking here. The Senate even beefed up the bill to include offenses like assaulting law enforcement officers or committing crimes that cause serious bodily harm or death. In other words, if you’re an illegal alien wreaking havoc on our communities, you’re no longer going to get a slap on the wrist. You’re going to be detained. Finally, some common sense.
JUST NOW: The House has passed S.5–The @RepMikeCollins Laken Riley Act.
This bill ensures ALL CRIMINAL ILLEGALS like Laken Riley’s murderer will be arrested, detained & eventually REPATRIATED.
S.5 will advance to the President’s desk & BECOME LAW.
156 DEMOCRATS STILL VOTED NO. pic.twitter.com/Hd138m6lR3
— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) January 22, 2025
Naturally, Democrats are having a meltdown over this. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez warned about “private prison camps” popping up in towns across America as if the real issue is where we’re going to house criminals, not the fact that innocent Americans are being harmed or killed. Her hysteria is as predictable as it is ridiculous.
When Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene responded by saying she hopes we open “as many prisons as possible” to round up illegal aliens breaking our laws, it was like a breath of fresh air. At least someone is willing to say what needs to be said: this is about stopping an invasion and restoring order, period.
The Democrats’ faux concern for “due process” and “private prisons” falls flat when you consider their complete silence on the actual atrocities happening at the hands of criminal illegal aliens. Where was this outrage when 95% of the 2020 rioters’ charges were dropped? Where was this energy when Jose Ibarra was allowed to stay in the country long enough to murder Laken Riley? It’s amazing how quickly their moral compass points in the wrong direction when it comes to protecting American citizens.
What makes this legislation even sweeter is the timing. It’s poised to become the first bill signed into law during President Trump’s second term. Remember when he promised to secure the border and protect American lives? This is him delivering, yet again. Trump himself highlighted Laken Riley’s tragic story on the campaign trail, using it as a rallying cry to fix the border crisis that spiraled out of control under Biden. Now, with this bill, he’s taking real action to ensure that no family has to endure the heartbreak that Laken’s loved ones have faced.
Today, I was honored to join @SpeakerJohnson as he signed the first bill the 119th Congress will deliver to President Trump’s desk, the Laken Riley Act.
I was proud to cosponsor this bill to prevent the horrific and brutal murder of additional innocent Americans at the hands of… pic.twitter.com/E8oRnXNv7e
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) January 23, 2025
The “Laken Riley Act” isn’t just a law—it’s a message. It says America is done with open-border policies that prioritize the feelings of illegal immigrants over the safety of its citizens. It’s about standing up for victims like Laken Riley and their families, who deserve justice and accountability. The left can complain all they want, but this is what leadership looks like. America first, always.
