Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, along with his Republican colleagues in the Senate, has reintroduced the Laken Riley Act. This legislation mandates that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest illegal aliens involved in theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses and ensures their detention until they are deported from the United States. The bill also allows states to take civil action against federal officials who do not enforce immigration laws.

Allyson and John Phillips, Laken Riley’s mother and stepfather, expressed their support for the act: “It’s impossible to fully describe what was taken from Laken and from our family on February 22, 2024. Laken’s life was abundantly and exceptionally full of promise. She was a beautiful, shining beacon in the life of everyone who knew her. Not only did the people who knew and loved Laken lose a beautiful soul, but so did our world. Laken shared her love for Jesus with everyone she encountered. Laken’s passion for sharing her faith through acts of kindness were felt by everyone she met. Laken was selfless, hardworking and made those around her feel special. Laken did not just talk about her faith, she led by example,” said Allyson and John Phillips. "The Laken Riley Act has our full support because it would help save innocent lives and prevent more families from going through the kind of heartbreak we’ve experienced."

They added that passing this bill would be a significant tribute to Laken's legacy: "Laken would have been 23 on January 10th. There is no greater gift that could be given to her and our country than to continue her legacy by saving lives through this bill."

Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Katie Britt (R-AL), Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), John Fetterman (D-PA) spearheaded the reintroduction of this legislation with backing from the entire Senate Republican Conference.

Senator Marshall has consistently advocated for border security during his time in Congress. In March, he urged immediate passage of the Laken Riley Act during the 118th Congress; however, Senate Democrats blocked its approval by unanimous consent.

In October last year, Senator Marshall introduced another piece of legislation known as the BE GONE Act after reports indicated that over 16,000 known sex offenders had entered the U.S. across its southern border under the Biden Administration's policies.