Palmetto State News

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott, along with Senators Katie Britt and Ted Budd, have introduced the Laken Riley Act, aimed at ensuring the safety of America's streets from illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. Senator Scott expressed his frustration with the Biden administration, stating, "Laken Riley’s murder – by an illegal immigrant who was twice arrested and twice released onto our streets – is the result of an absolute failure by the Biden administration."

The legislation requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal immigrants involved in theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses. It also mandates that these individuals be detained until they are removed from the U.S. to prevent further crimes. Senator Scott emphasized the need to secure the border and prevent criminals from entering the country, stating, "If our commander-in-chief can’t get that done, the American people deserve someone who will."

Original co-sponsors of the bill include Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and several other Senators. The legislation, which is a Senate companion to a bill introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Mike Collins, has received bipartisan support in the House and is now awaiting a vote in the Senate.

The Laken Riley Act is named after a 22-year-old college student who was tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant. The killer, Jose Ibarra, had been arrested multiple times but was released before facing consequences. The bill aims to address the failures in immigration policies that led to Laken Riley's death and similar incidents.

The Senate cosponsors are urging Senator Schumer to bring the Laken Riley Act to the Senate floor for an immediate vote.