Press Releases

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, with Congressman Rick W. Allen's (GA-12) support. H.R. 7511 requires the detention of illegal aliens who commit theft and mandates U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) to take them into custody. It also allows states to sue the Federal government on behalf of their citizens for not enforcing border laws, particularly in the case of parole. The bill was introduced following the tragic death of Laken Hope Riley at the hands of an illegal alien whose prior criminal record included shoplifting in Athens-Clarke County.

Before voting in support of H.R. 7511, Congressman Allen delivered the following remarks on the House floor as prepared for delivery:

"It is with a tremendously heavy heart that I rise in strong support of H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act.

"Just two weeks ago, at the hands of a violent illegal alien, we lost yet another American life—a beloved daughter, student, and Georgian.

"Laken was a student at Augusta University’s nursing school in Athens and was well on her way to a successful career helping others and saving countless lives—all to be cut brutally short by a vicious criminal.

"This should have never happened and cannot happen again in this country.

"Not only is the suspect in Laken Riley’s tragic death here illegally, but he also has a criminal record that includes shoplifting in Athens-Clarke County. Allowing this criminal to freely roam our communities was absolutely unacceptable.

"H.R. 7511 will ensure illegal immigrants who commit theft are detained by ICE rather than released back into our communities. The bill also allows states to sue the federal government for failing to enforce our border laws.

"I am sick of President Biden and liberal officials across the country not enforcing the laws on the books. It is beyond me how anyone can support the sanctuary and catch-and-release policies that have attracted illegal aliens to those communities, just like the one responsible for taking Laken Riley’s life.

"I strongly urge a yes vote on this important legislation to protect our nation. Robin and I continue to join our fellow Georgians and the nation in praying for Laken’s family and loved ones. She will not be forgotten. I yield back."