FOX 1: Senate Republicans are preparing to take up several bills that Democrats rejected in the last Congress in the new year. The first bill, the Laken Riley Act, has been reintroduced by Alabama Republican Sen. Katie Britt and is poised for a vote by the end of this week.
The measure is named after a 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student who was found dead on the University of Georgia campus in February. Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old illegal immigrant, was found guilty on 10 charges, including felony murder. He initially pleaded not guilty.
He was sentenced to life in prison without parole in November.
The bill would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal immigrants who commit crimes such as theft, robbery, and shoplifting and detain them until they can be deported. In addition, states would have the right under the law to bring civil actions against members of the federal government who fail to enforce immigration laws.
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The Laken Riley Act was first introduced in the House by Representative Mike Collins and the Senate by Senator Katie Britt in March. (Getty Images)
“It is impossible to fully explain what was taken from Laken and our family on February 22, 2024. Laken’s life was rich and exceptionally hopeful. She She was a beautiful, shining lighthouse in the lives of everyone who knew her. Those who knew and loved Laken have lost a beautiful soul, and so has our world, through acts of kindness. Laken’s passion for sharing her faith was contagious to everyone she met. She was selfless and hard-working, and she made everyone around her feel special. He not only spoke about his faith, he led by example,” John Phillips, stepfather of Alison and Laken Riley, said in a statement.
“We fully support the Laken Riley Act because it will help save innocent lives and prevent more families from going through the heartbreaking experiences we went through. Laken would have turned 23 on January 10th. There is no greater gift than to continue her legacy by saving lives through this bill, making our country and communities safer. We should be able to support this purely common sense bill. We thank Congressman Mike Collins. Thank you to Katie Britt and Sen. Ted Budd for their continued efforts to recognize Laken and pass this bill. ”
The bill was first introduced in the House by Georgia Republican Rep. Mike Collins in March and first introduced in the Senate by Britt.
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Mr. Ibarra has maintained his innocence. (Bryn Anderson/Poole, via AP)
However, the bill never received a vote on the Senate floor as a standalone bill.
With Republicans united on prioritizing the southern border and fighting illegal immigration, forming a triumvirate in the federal government, Republican lawmakers see a huge opportunity to pass major legislation.
“Last year, Laken Riley was taken from this earth by a brutal and heartless murderer from his family, his friends, and the fulfillment of his dreams. Make no mistake, he never should have been in the United States, much less… “They were not allowed to roam freely on America’s streets after being indicted for multiple crimes, which was a direct result of intentional open border policies,” Britt said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Ta.
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Britt introduced the bill last year. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
“The American people not only gave an order on November 5th, they gave a verdict. They made it clear they wanted to remove criminal illegal aliens and protect American families. Whether Democrats will hear, respect, and abide by that verdict will soon be seen. ” Congress has a duty to Laken and her family, and to families in every part of this country, to do everything in its power to prevent this type of tragedy from happening again. It is imperative that we all pass the Laken Riley Act. “No other American family should have to feel the pain that Laken’s family is feeling, 320 days after their loss,” she added.
“An illegal criminal came into my district and killed Laken Riley because local law enforcement had no means to stop him. Laken fought to his last breath,” Collins said in his statement. I will continue to fight until this bill reaches its goal.” It landed on the president’s desk. ”
The bill was co-led in the Senate by Sen. Ted Budd, RN.C., who said in a statement, “What happened to Laken Riley should never happen to any American citizen. “We are trying to turn the page on the situation.” Echoing Joe Biden’s border policies, the Laken-Reilly Act would give the Trump administration more power to enforce the law, keep the country safe, and prevent tragedies. I appreciate Senator Britt’s partnership and leadership in this bipartisan effort. effort. “
Republicans currently control the Senate, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R.S.D.), and the bill is expected to be voted on in a short period of time.
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Thune will become the new Senate majority leader. (TING SHEN/AFP via Getty Images)
A source told Fox News Digital that a vote in the Senate is likely to take place on Friday, forcing Democrats to go on the record.
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If the bill had only Republican support, it would not be able to overcome the legislative filibuster, which would require 60 votes to end consideration and advance the bill. Notably, new Democratic senators Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) voted in favor of the bill in the House last year.
This vote will put the spotlight on Georgia’s Senate caucus, as Riley was a member of it. In particular, attention will be focused on Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), who is up for re-election in 2026 in a state won by President-elect Donald Trump.
Julia Johnson is a political writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, where she leads coverage of the U.S. Senate. She previously served as a political reporter for the Washington Examiner.
Follow Julia’s reporting on X. @juliaajohnson_ Send your tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.
