WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, which requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest and detain migrants who commit theft-related crimes, including offenses resulting in bodily injury or death, until they are removed from the U.S. to ensure they cannot commit further crimes, into law. The legislation included an amendment from Sen. Cornyn, who attended the signing ceremony at the White House, to require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants who assault a member of law enforcement.

“Laken Riley’s death will not be forgotten, and I’m grateful President Trump signed this historic bill into law to honor her legacy and prioritize making our nation safe again,” said Sen. Cornyn. “With the inclusion of my amendment to require detaining illegal migrants who assault law enforcement officers, this law will protect our men and women in uniform and help restore the safety and security of all Texans and communities across the country.”

Background:

On February 22, 2024, 22-year-old Laken Riley was killed in broad daylight while jogging on campus at the University of Georgia. Venezuelan national and Tren de Aragua gang member, Jose Antonio Ibarra, who was released into the interior by the Biden administration after he illegally entered the country, was found guilty of ten criminal charges, including felony murder, in November 2024.

Last year, Sen. Cornyn wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding DHS explain why Ibarra was granted parole into the U.S.

In addition to requiring ICE to arrest and detain migrants who enter the country illegally and commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses, assault of law enforcement officer, or crimes resulting in death or bodily injury, the Laken Riley Act will ensure states can bring civil actions against federal agencies who violate the law or refuse to enforce immigration law.