Trump Enacts Laken Riley Act to Detain Illegal Immigrants Charged with Theft or Burglary** President Donald Trump has officially enacted the Laken Riley Act, which mandates that ICE detain undocumented immigrants who are charged with theft or burglary. During the signing event in the East Wing of the White House, Trump stated, “America will always remember Laken Hope Riley,” referring to the Georgian nursing student who was tragically killed last year. The perpetrator, Jose Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant, had been granted release despite facing theft charges in both New York and Georgia.
The Senate approved the act with several amendments on January 20, with a vote of 64–35, where 12 Democrats joined the Republicans in support. The House of Representatives then gave their final approval on January 22 with a vote of 263–156, including the support of 46 Democrats. While the bill was under debate in the Senate, two amendments were added, which included detainment for crimes that result in death or significant bodily harm, as well as assaults on law enforcement officers.