Following President Donald Trump’s signing of the Laken Riley Act, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released a statement commending the legislation, which aims to strengthen the detention of criminal illegal immigrants and expand the role of state attorneys general in enforcing federal immigration laws.
The act, named in honor of Laken Riley, a victim of a tragic crime allegedly committed by an illegal immigrant, seeks to address what Paxton and other critics have described as the harmful consequences of the Biden administration’s immigration policies.
In his statement, Paxton criticized the Biden administration’s handling of border security, stating, “Joe Biden’s open borders policies have been directly responsible for devastating consequences across this country, including the tragic murder of Laken Riley. Her murder should have never happened, and I stand with President Trump in his efforts to catch and detain every single violent, criminal illegal immigrant that Joe Biden invited into this country.”
The Laken Riley Act introduces several measures aimed at tightening immigration enforcement:
- Expanded Mandatory Detention: Broadens the list of criminal offenses that require mandatory detention for illegal immigrants, including burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury.
- Empowering State Attorneys General: Grants state attorneys general greater authority to enforce federal immigration detention requirements.
- Limiting Parole Grants: Restricts parole for illegal immigrants to prevent the release of those who pose a public safety risk.
Paxton emphasized that these provisions would have strengthened his ability to challenge the Biden administration’s immigration policies. “The Laken Riley Act will help us accomplish that mission and empower attorneys general like myself to play an even more active role in ensuring that our federal immigration laws are followed,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to working alongside Trump to reverse what he sees as the failures of Biden’s immigration policies. “I will continue to work with President Trump to reverse Joe Biden’s lawless open borders policies and ensure that illegal aliens who wish to harm our nation’s citizens are brought to justice,” Paxton stated.
Republican leaders have pushed for stricter border security measures in response to what they describe as a crisis worsened by the Biden administration. The Laken Riley Act is seen as a significant step toward restoring order and enhancing public safety.
The legislation is named in memory of Laken Riley, whose tragic death has become a symbol for stronger immigration enforcement. “Laken Riley’s death was a preventable tragedy,” Paxton said. “This legislation honors her memory by ensuring that no other family has to suffer the pain of losing a loved one to a criminal who should never have been in this country in the first place.”
The Laken Riley Act marks a notable shift in immigration enforcement, allowing state officials to take a more active role in upholding federal laws. As the Trump administration moves forward with its immigration agenda, the act is expected to play a crucial role in addressing illegal immigration and ensuring the safety of American citizens.