Sioux City Times

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Laken Riley Act, with U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra voting in favor. The legislation mandates that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain illegal immigrants found guilty of theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting. This act is named after 22-year-old Laken Riley, who was killed by an illegal immigrant last year.

The incident involved an illegal immigrant who had been apprehended by border patrol in 2022 but was subsequently released. After his release, he was convicted of shoplifting in Georgia and then released again.

"Nearly a year ago, 22-year-old Laken Riley was murdered in broad daylight by an illegal immigrant who should have never been free on the streets," said Rep. Feenstra. "As a father of four, I cannot fathom the pain and heartbreak of losing a child, and it’s why we must pass policies that protect our families from dangerous criminals."

Feenstra further emphasized the importance of the legislation: "I voted for the Laken Riley Act to ensure that any illegal immigrant who commits theft, burglary, or shoplifting is swiftly detained by law enforcement and held accountable for their crimes. By passing this important legislation, we will keep our children safer and our communities stronger."

Feenstra is one of the original cosponsors of this legislative measure.