President Trump signs Laken Riley Act into law

January 29, 2025 – WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Donald J. Trump (R) signed into law: S. 5, the "Laken Riley Act," which requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, shoplifting, and for other serious crimes.

Sponsored by U.S. Senator Katie Britt's (R-Alabama) the Laken Riley Act became President Donald J. Trump's first bill signed into law as the 47th President of the United States. This bipartisan legislation is the most significant immigration enforcement and border security related bill to be enacted into law in nearly three decades.

"Today, I was honored to join President Trump as he signed the Laken Riley Act into law," said Sen. Britt. "This landmark bill is historic for many reasons, including the fact this was the first bill he signed into law as the 47th President. Alongside President Trump, Republican majorities in Congress are turning promises made into promises kept. I'm incredibly proud of the bipartisan, lifesaving legislation we were able to achieve to protect American families and honor the life and legacy of Laken Riley. This is an incredible first step toward making America safe again, and I will continue fighting to strengthen border security and interior immigration enforcement. I'd like to thank Congressman Mike Collins for his steadfast leadership to get this bill across the finish line, as well as Senator Ted Budd, Majority Leader John Thune, and Senators John Fetterman, Ruben Gallego, Joni Ernst, and John Cornyn for their partnership in making today a reality. Together, we are delivering real results for the American people."

Senator Britt and Congressman Mike Collins (R-Geogia) first introduced the bill in the House and Senate, respectively during the 118th and 119th Congress.

The bill, as signed into law, includes Senator John Cornyn's (R-Texas) provision mirroring the POLICE Act, which expanded the list of criminal offenses covered by the bill to include assault of a law enforcement officer, and an amendment that mirrors Senator Joni Ernst's (R-Iowa) legislation, Sarah's Law, which will require the detention of illegal aliens who commit any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury. Sarah's Law is named after Sarah Root, who was killed in a 2016 car crash by an illegal alien whom ICE had declined to detain during the Obama Administration and whose blood alcohol concentration was three times the legal limit. She died nearly nine years ago.

The Laken Riley Act will require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses, assault of a law enforcement officer, or any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury, so they cannot reoffend and commit further crimes. This legislation will also ensure states have standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration law or who violate the law.

Senators Britt and Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), along with the entire Republican conference and Senators John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) and Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), reintroduced the Laken Riley Act in the 119th Congress after Senate Democrats in leadership blocked it from even coming to the floor in the 118th Congress.

"The American people sent a clear message on November 5th: It is time to return to law and order," said Senator Budd. "President Trump pledged to make American safe again, and his signing of the Laken Riley Act is another promise kept. I am grateful to have led this legislation with Senator Katie Britt, John Fetterman, and Majority Leader John Thune."

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) said on X, "Laken Riley was just 22 years old. She had her whole life ahead of her. We must ensure this never happens again. Glad that @POTUS has signed the Laken Riley Act to begin restoring law and order and reversing Biden's open border policies. Thank you @SenKatieBritt, @RepMikeCollins for leading this crucial legislation."

Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) presided over the U.S. House of Representatives – subbing for Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) – while the House considered and passed S.5.

"Honored to preside over the House Floor during debate on S. 5 - The Laken Riley Act," said Rep. Palmer. "This legislation by @SenKatieBritt and @RepMikeCollins will make our communities safer. I look forward to voting in favor of this bill and sending it to President Trump's desk later today."

Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL03) said on X, "Congrats, @SenKatieBritt, and thank you for all your hard work on this bill. Common sense legislation that is going to be signed into law by a Commander in Chief with common sense!"

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) said on X, "Proud to support this meaningful legislation. And thanks to @SenKatieBritt for introducing this bill. No family should ever again have to experience what Laken's did. #LakenRileyAct."

Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL05) said on X, "I'm proud to stand with President Trump as he puts pen to paper to make America safer. The Laken Riley Act is a crucial step towards returning law and order in this country. Illegal immigrants who commit crimes should be detained and deported. No family should suffer the loss of a loved one from our failed immigration system. The Laken Riley Act is not just about policy, it's about justice and accountability."

At the beginning of the 119th Congress, Senator Britt emphasized her first priority would be to address illegal migration and strengthen border security. With the Laken Riley Act now signed into law, Senator Britt is delivering on her promise and demonstrating her unwavering commitment to make America safe once again.

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