Shreveport Reporter

Speaker Johnson expressed his disbelief following the vote against H.R. 29, known as The Laken Riley Act, by 159 House Democrats. In a statement, he criticized the decision, saying, "Laken Riley was brutally murdered by an illegal alien that President Biden and the Democrats let into this country with their open border policy. It is hard to believe after countless horrific stories like Laken’s, ANY House Democrats would vote against deporting illegal aliens who commit violent crimes against American citizens."

Johnson further emphasized the significance of the act in response to public demand for secure borders and deportation of violent offenders. He stated, "But 159 just did, demonstrating some Democrats have ignored the loud and clear message from voters in this election who demanded secure borders, the deportation of violent illegal aliens, and laws that put the safety and security of the American people first."

He highlighted that House Republicans supported the bill to address these concerns: "House Republicans heard the voices of those who wanted change and voted to pass the Laken Riley Act. We will always fight to protect Americans, and today’s success is just the beginning of Republican efforts to undo the catastrophic damage caused by years of the Democrats’ failed leadership."

The Laken Riley Act mandates detention for illegal aliens committing theft and permits states to sue the Federal government for not enforcing border laws effectively. This legislation is named after Laken Riley, a nursing student murdered on February 22, 2024. Her assailant, Jose Ibarra, was an illegal alien previously cited for shoplifting but not detained by ICE. Ibarra was convicted in November 2024 and sentenced to life without parole.