Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, along with a group of her Senate Republican colleagues, has introduced the Laken Riley Act, a bill that aims to enhance immigration enforcement by requiring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal aliens who commit specific offenses. Senator Capito emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, “Americans deserve to feel safe in their communities.”

The Laken Riley Act, named after a nursing student who was tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant, not only calls for the arrest of illegal aliens who commit theft-related offenses but also mandates their detention until they are removed from the United States to prevent further crimes. Furthermore, the legislation grants states the authority to take legal action against federal officials who fail to enforce immigration laws.

Senator Capito highlighted the urgency of the situation, urging Senate Leader Schumer to swiftly bring the bill to the floor for consideration. She stressed the need to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future, citing the devastating impact of lax immigration enforcement.

The bill, originally introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, recently passed with bipartisan support. The legislation seeks to address the loopholes in current immigration enforcement measures, particularly in cases where illegal immigrants commit serious crimes within the United States.

The introduction of the Laken Riley Act underscores the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and enforcement procedures in the country. As lawmakers continue to grapple with these complex issues, the focus remains on enhancing public safety and security for all Americans.