(WNY News Now) – On Wednesday evening, Congressman Nick Langworthy announced the successful passage of the Laken Riley Act, a legislative effort aimed at enhancing public safety and addressing crimes committed by undocumented individuals. The bill, which has now advanced to the President’s desk for signature, seeks to establish stricter enforcement measures against illegal immigrants who commit crimes such as shoplifting.
In his statement, Langworthy emphasized the significance of the bill’s passage, saying, “The days of providing havens to violent criminal illegal immigrants while jeopardizing the safety of American citizens are over. While we cannot bring Laken back, or dull the pain of her loss, we can honor her legacy by making our country safer.”
The act is named in memory of Laken Riley, a young woman who tragically lost her life in a violent crime committed by an undocumented individual.
The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain undocumented individuals charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admit to having committed shoplifting, larceny, theft, or burglary. The bill also allows states to sue the federal government over immigration-related decisions if said decisions caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of over $100.
Critics of the legislation caution against potential unintended consequences, such as overly broad applications of the law or concerns about due process. Advocacy groups for immigrants’ rights have expressed reservations, urging a balanced approach that does not compromise the rights of nonviolent individuals.
Leave a Reply