The Laken Riley Act is a U.S. law enacted on January 29, 2025, that mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes, assaulting law enforcement officers, or offenses resulting in death or serious bodily injury. It also empowers state attorneys general to sue the federal government for perceived failures in immigration enforcement.
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Named in honor of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was tragically murdered in 2024 by an undocumented immigrant with prior theft charges, the act aims to prevent similar incidents by enforcing stricter detention policies.
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The legislation was introduced by Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) on January 6, 2025, and garnered bipartisan support, passing the Senate on January 20 and the House on January 22. President Donald Trump signed it into law on January 29, 2025.
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Supporters argue that the act enhances public safety by ensuring that individuals accused of certain crimes are detained during legal proceedings. Critics, however, express concerns that it may lead to mass detentions without due process and impose significant financial burdens on federal authorities.