Sioux City Times

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra has shown his support for the Laken Riley Act, which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in honor of 22-year-old Laken Riley, who tragically lost her life at the hands of an illegal immigrant. The legislation mandates Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to take custody of illegal immigrants who engage in theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting.

Feenstra expressed his condolences for the Riley family, stating, “As a father of four, my heart breaks for the family and friends of Laken Riley. Tragically, due to the Biden administration’s open-border policies and the unprecedented national security crisis that they have created, Laken was murdered by an illegal immigrant who was apprehended at the border and later released."

The congressman emphasized the need for accountability for such crimes, saying, “Any illegal immigrant who commits theft, burglary, or shoplifting must be immediately detained by law enforcement and answer for their crimes. We cannot allow these criminals to roam our streets and threaten public safety."

Feenstra also highlighted the importance of the Laken Riley Act in ensuring that illegal immigrants who engage in criminal activities face appropriate consequences. He mentioned, “I voted for the Laken Riley Act because illegal immigrants who steal, burglarize, and harass American citizens must be jailed and appropriately punished.”

The legislation not only calls for the detention of illegal immigrants involved in theft-related offenses but also urges President Biden to reconsider certain immigration policies. It advocates for the termination of “catch-and-release” practices, enhanced immigration enforcement, the reinstatement of “Remain in Mexico” protocols, and the prevention of parole authority abuses.

In conclusion, the Laken Riley Act seeks to address the issue of illegal immigrants committing crimes such as theft, burglary, and shoplifting by enforcing stricter measures for their detention and punishment.