Laken Riley Act Signed into Law

Washington, D.C.-- Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) released the following statement after the Laken Riley Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump. 

"With the first piece of legislation signed into law during President Trump's second term in office, we are safeguarding our communities from violent crime at the hands of illegal immigrants," said Rep. Walberg. "This action represents a vital step in addressing the crisis at our borders. It will protect our communities and prevent other families from becoming victims of the unthinkable tragedy experienced by Laken Riley's loved ones. I look forward to continuing to work with the Trump administration to crack down on illegal immigration and secure our border." 

Background:

In February 2024, Laken Riley, a Georgia college nursing student, was brutally murdered by an illegal immigrant while she was on a jog. Riley's convicted killer, Jose Ibarra, had previously been detained and released by authorities on multiple instances.

The Laken Riley Act would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to take custody of illegal immigrants who commit theft, burglary, larceny, shoplifting, assault of a law enforcement officer, or a crime that resulted in death or serious bodily injury to another person.

On January 7, 2025, Congressman Walberg voted in favor of and the House passed the Laken Riley Act. He then voted for the Senate amended version, which passed the House on January 22, 2025, by a vote of 263-156. The Senate amended version added two additional crimes that would warrant detention: assault of a law enforcement officer and a crime that resulted in death or serious bodily injury to another person. 

Congressman Walberg represents Michigan’s 5th Congressional District which includes the counties of Branch, Cass, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, St. Joseph, and parts of Berrien, Calhoun, and Kalamazoo. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.