Trump signs Laken Riley Act aimed at illegal immigration amid emotional tribute from mother

In a significant step for immigration reform, President Trump has signed the Laken Riley Act during his recent return to the White House.

The bill mandates that authorities detain illegal immigrants accused of theft-related offenses and also permits states to pursue legal action against the federal government for damages stemming from illegal immigration.

This legislation honors Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student whose tragic death at the hands of an illegal immigrant in 2024 has sparked national outcry.

Trump signed the bill on January 29, 2025, as part of a series of measures aimed at tightening immigration controls, which included designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Laken was killed by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national residing in the U.S. unlawfully, who has since received a life sentence for his crime.

Expressing deep sympathy for Riley’s family, Trump described her as “beautiful” and placed blame on the previous administration for allowing such tragedies to occur.

“To Laken’s family, we will keep Laken’s memory alive,” Trump declared, emphasizing, “America will never forget Laken Hope Riley.”

The Laken Riley Act specifically focuses on detaining illegal migrants charged with serious crimes, including assault on law enforcement and homicide.

In a powerful moment during the signing ceremony, Riley’s mother, Allyson Philips, expressed gratitude to Trump for remembering her daughter and emphasized her faith in Jesus Christ as a source of hope for her family.

“Most importantly, I want to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Philips stated, highlighting the power of faith during such trying times.

Philips expressed a heartfelt desire that her daughter’s story will help prevent future tragedies, stating, “Our hope moving forward is that her life saves lives.”

During the signing, Trump also acknowledged several families who have lost loved ones due to violence involving illegal immigrants, criticizing the immigration policies under the current administration as “weak” and “heartless.”

As part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration, Trump has also declared a national emergency at the southern border and empowered the defense secretary to enhance security measures there.

Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, shared his commitment to dismantling criminal cartels, asserting, “We’re taking them out of the trafficking business.”

As these developments unfold, the administration remains steadfast in its objective to bolster immigration laws and enhance national security.