Following President Donald Trump’s signing of the Laken Riley Act, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released a statement applauding the new legislation, which aims to strengthen the detention of criminal illegal aliens and enhance the role of state attorneys general in enforcing federal immigration laws.
The act, named in honor of Laken Riley, a victim of a tragic crime allegedly committed by an illegal immigrant, seeks to address what Paxton and other critics have described as the devastating consequences of the Biden administration’s immigration policies.
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In his statement, Paxton blamed the Biden administration’s “open borders policies” for creating a crisis that has led to increased crime and loss of life. “Joe Biden’s open borders policies have been directly responsible for devastating consequences across this country, including the tragic murder of Laken Riley,” Paxton said. “Her murder should have never happened, and I stand with President Trump in his efforts to catch and detain every single violent, criminal illegal immigrant that Joe Biden invited into this country.”
The Laken Riley Act introduces several measures to tighten immigration enforcement and ensure that criminal illegal aliens are detained and brought to justice. Key provisions of the legislation include:
- Expanded Mandatory Detention: The act broadens the list of criminal offenses that trigger mandatory detention for illegal aliens. These offenses now include burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury.
- Empowering State Attorneys General: The legislation grants state attorneys general the authority to enforce federal immigration detention requirements, providing them with greater tools to hold criminal illegal aliens accountable.
- Limiting Parole Grants: The act restricts the use of parole for illegal aliens, ensuring that those who pose a threat to public safety are not released into communities.
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Paxton emphasized the significance of these provisions, stating that they would have allowed him to more effectively challenge the Biden administration’s immigration policies if they had been in place during Biden’s tenure. “The Laken Riley Act will help us accomplish that mission and empower attorneys general like myself to play an even more active role in ensuring that our federal immigration laws are followed,” he said.
Paxton reiterated his commitment to working with President Trump to address what he views as the failures of the Biden administration’s immigration policies. “I will continue to work with President Trump to reverse Joe Biden’s lawless open borders policies and ensure that illegal aliens who wish to harm our nation’s citizens are brought to justice,” he said.
The attorney general’s statement reflects a broader push by Republican leaders to strengthen border security and immigration enforcement in the wake of what they describe as a crisis exacerbated by the Biden administration. The Laken Riley Act is seen as a critical step in restoring order and ensuring the safety of American communities.
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The legislation is named in memory of Laken Riley, whose tragic death has become a rallying cry for stronger immigration enforcement. Riley’s murder, allegedly committed by an illegal immigrant, has been cited by lawmakers and officials as an example of the dangers posed by lax immigration policies.
“Laken Riley’s death was a preventable tragedy,” Paxton said. “This legislation honors her memory by ensuring that no other family has to suffer the pain of losing a loved one to a criminal who should never have been in this country in the first place.”
The Laken Riley Act represents a significant shift in immigration enforcement, empowering state officials to take a more active role in upholding federal laws. As the Trump administration continues to implement its immigration agenda, the act is expected to play a key role in addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration and ensuring the safety of American citizens.
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