House votes to pass Laken Riley Act as 48 Democrats join GOP colleagues

Thankfully, the House of Representatives passed the Laken Riley Act on Tuesday morning to help ensure that no other parents and family members have to endure what the young nursing student's loved ones experienced last year.

According to Breitbart, despite opposition from a staggering 159 Democrats, the Republican-controlled lower chamber was able to pass the bill.

Forty-eight Democrats made the right call and voted with Republicans to pass the ultra-important measure. It will hopefully eventually end up on President Donald Trump's desk for a quick signature after making its way through the Senate.

The Laken Riley Act "requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take into custody illegal aliens arrested, charged, or convicted for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting," Breitbart noted.

Had such a bill been in place before Riley's gruesome murder by a criminal illegal alien, perhaps she would still be here today. Unfortunately for her family and friends, President Joe Biden's lax and virtually non-existent border enforcement policies contributed to the events that led to her death.

The bill was named after the 22-year-old woman who was brutally murdered by an illegal alien who had a prior criminal record.

Breitbart noted:

Months before Riley’s murder, Jose Antonio Ibarra was issued a citation for shoplifting in Athens and was later issued a bench warrant for failing to appear in court on those charges. Despite the charge, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not take him into custody.

The legislation was first introduced to the House by Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA). He issued a statement in the wake of the bill's passage.

"I’m thankful that the House passed the Laken Riley Act in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner," Collins wrote. "No family should have to go through what Laken’s has endured. It’s now up to the Senate to work together to put this crucial legislation on President Trump’s desk."

I'm thankful that the House passed the Laken Riley Act in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner. No family should have to go through what Laken’s has endured.

It's now up to the Senate to work together to put this crucial legislation on President Trump’s desk. pic.twitter.com/7xhq53Ci31

— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) January 7, 2025

Social media users overwhelmingly supported the passage of the bill. Many called in incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to ensure it succeeds in the upper chamber.

"Thank you so much for doing this!! @LeaderJohnThune make it happen for President Trump to sign into law 1st day," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "Congrats Mike. One down more to go. Celebrate and get back at it."

Luckily, when Republicans take control of the Senate -- and the White House -- they should easily pass the much-needed bill.