SE Kentucky News

U.S. Representative Harold "Hal" Rogers of Kentucky's 5th District voted in favor of The Laken Riley Act, which was approved by the House on Tuesday. This legislation is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was murdered by an illegal immigrant while jogging in February 2024. Jose Ibarra, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, was convicted of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole in November.

The act mandates the detention of illegal immigrants involved in theft and permits states to sue the federal government for not enforcing border laws, especially concerning parole.

"Laken Riley’s name has become common across America, and a grave reminder of the border crisis we have faced under the Biden Administration," stated Congressman Rogers. "Even after being cited by local police for shoplifting, Laken’s killer was not reported to ICE custody. Our immigration laws must be enforced for the safety and protection of the American people, now more than ever."

Rogers added that every state has effectively become a border state over recent years due to increased crime rates and drug trafficking. He described this bill as "just the first step to making America safer."

House Republicans spearheaded the bill's passage while 159 Democrats opposed it, criticizing what they view as continued policy failures under President Biden's administration. The legislation will now proceed to the Republican-controlled Senate for further consideration.

Further details on Congressman Rogers' initiatives can be found at halrogers.house.gov or through his social media channels.