Congressman Harrigan Votes to Pass the Laken Riley Act

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted to pass H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act, a vital step toward securing our border and protecting American families. Named for Laken Riley, a nursing student tragically killed by an illegal immigrant with a history of criminal activity, this legislation requires the detention and deportation of undocumented individuals charged with theft or burglary.

“The Biden-Harris administration’s failure to enforce our immigration laws cost Laken Riley her life,” said Congressman Harrigan. “Her murderer, someone who never should have been in this country, exploited a broken system and destroyed a family. The Laken Riley Act is a promise to every American family that we will secure our borders, uphold the rule of law, and stop these preventable tragedies. Enough is enough.”

The Laken Riley Act also empowers state attorneys general to hold the federal government accountable for failing to enforce immigration laws and mandates DHS to act decisively against those who enter our country illegally and commit crimes.

House Republicans are leading the charge to restore law and order and prevent future tragedies. Congressman Harrigan urges the Senate to take swift action to pass this critical legislation and ensure no family endures the heartbreak the Riley family has suffered.