Trump Signs Historic 'Laken Riley Act': A Law with Impactful Origins

The Laken Riley Act, named for a nursing student who was brutally murdered by an illegal Venezuelan immigrant in 2024, was signed into law by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, the first bill of his second term in office.

Republicans and Democrats came together in support of the Laken Riley Act, which was signed into law on January 28 by 48 of them.

The Act gives Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents the authority to remove undocumented immigrants who have a criminal record, including minor offenses linked to theft.

According to the Laken Riley Act, undocumented immigrants who have ever attacked police will likewise be deported from the United States. In addition, every illegal immigrant who causes injury to another person will be arrested and deported.

"Her name will also live forever in the laws of our country with today's action," Mr. Trump stated on Wednesday. And this law is really significant. Republicans and Democrats have come together because of this. It's difficult to achieve that. It was Laken. It was Laken. Laken Hope Riley will always be remembered throughout America.

As a "horrific atrocity," Ms. Riley's murder "should never have been allowed to happen," the president said.

"Every single day" of his presidency will be used, Mr. Trump pledged, "to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again."

At the bill signing, Ms. Riley's mother, Allyson Phillips, thanked the president and lawmakers for immortalizing her daughter.

Mrs. Phillips added, "We also want to thank President Trump for the promises he made us." He promised to protect our boundaries and to always remember Laken. He hasn't, either. He keeps his promises.