Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska has collaborated with Senator Katie Britt from Alabama and 52 other senators to introduce the Laken Riley Act in the 119th Congress. A cloture vote requiring 60 votes is scheduled for this afternoon on the Senate floor. This legislation was previously passed by the House of Representatives after being introduced by Congressman Mike Collins from Georgia.

The proposed act mandates U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal aliens who commit offenses such as theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting until they are deported. The act also allows states to bring civil actions against federal officials who fail to enforce immigration laws or violate them.

Allyson and John Phillips, Laken Riley’s mother and stepfather, expressed their support for the bill, stating: “It’s impossible to fully describe what was taken from Laken and from our family on February 22, 2024... The Laken Riley Act has our full support because it would help save innocent lives and prevent more families from going through the kind of heartbreak we’ve experienced."

Senator Sullivan criticized President Biden's border policies, claiming they have resulted in a national security crisis. He stated: “Laken Riley should still be alive today... The Laken Riley Act is an attempt to make America safer and restore accountability."

Previously introduced in the 118th Congress, identical legislation passed in the House but was blocked by Senate Democrats. With Republicans now holding a majority in the Senate, there is renewed hope for its passage.