Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito has cast her vote to initiate debate on the Laken Riley Act, a bill she co-sponsored. This legislation, introduced by Senator Katie Britt along with Senators Ted Budd, John Thune, and John Fetterman, aims to enforce stricter measures against illegal aliens involved in theft-related crimes.

The act proposes that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses. It mandates their detention until they are removed from the United States to prevent reoffending. The bill also allows states to pursue civil actions against federal officials who do not enforce immigration laws.

Senator Capito stated, "Last year, Laken Riley’s senseless murder appalled our country." She expressed her commitment to working with President Trump and the Republican Congress to pass the act into law.

Originally introduced in the House by Congressman Mike Collins, the bill passed with bipartisan support of 264-159 votes. The Senate's consideration marks its first legislative action in the 119th Congress.

Laken Riley would have turned 23 on January 10th.