With the strong support and vote of Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester, NJ), the House of Representatives today passed the Laken Riley Act (S. 5), to enhance and strengthen deportation laws and better protect Americans from criminal aliens who enter the U.S.

    “Marie and I offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Laken Riley, whose senseless murder is the direct result of the Biden administration’s illegal open-border policies,” Smith said. “This legislation, named in her honor, closes the loophole that allowed her killer to evade ICE detainers, and ensures immigration laws are followed.”

    Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, was reported missing by a roommate on Thursday, February 22, 2024, after she didn't come home from a run. She was found dead later that day. Her killer, Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, had previously entered the U.S. illegally and was arrested twice before on charges of shoplifting and endangering the welfare of a child.

    “The Laken Riley Act requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens like Laken Riley’s killer who have been arrested for additional crimes like shoplifting, burglary, or theft,” said Smith, who has voted three times for passage of the bill.

    The final version of the bill, which now heads to the President’s desk, also expands the list of criminal offenses that subject inadmissible aliens to detention to include assault on a law enforcement officer and crimes that result in serious bodily injury or death.

    “I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to adopt more commonsense immigration laws, secure our southern border, and keep our communities safe,” Smith said.

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