Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has expressed his support following the Senate's approval of the Laken Riley Act, a piece of legislation he co-sponsored. The bill was passed with a vote count of 64-35.

"The preventable tragedy and murder of Laken Riley lies at the hands of the Biden administration which turned a blind eye to illegal immigrants committing crimes," stated Dr. Cassidy. "With President Trump, we can secure our southern border and lock up illegal immigrants who commit crimes."

The proposed act mandates U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest undocumented individuals involved in theft-related offenses such as burglary, larceny, or shoplifting. It also requires these individuals to be detained until deportation to prevent further offenses. Furthermore, it provides states with the authority to initiate civil actions against federal officials who fail to enforce immigration laws or breach them.

Senator Cassidy had previously introduced this act during the last Congress session and advocated for its prompt consideration.

The entire Senate Republican Conference has shown support for this legislation in the 119th Congress, with endorsements from numerous senators including Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Thune (R-SD), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Jim Risch (R-ID), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), James Lankford (R-OK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Mike Lee (R-UT), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tom Cotton (R-AR) among others.