For ads-free news, click here.
From CBS News: President Trump on Wednesday signed the Laken Riley Act, which aims to expand the federal government’s mandate to detain immigrants who are in the country illegally, marking the first legislation signed in Mr. Trump’s new term.
The Laken Riley Act, named after a 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant last year, expands mandatory detention to include noncitizens convicted of or charged with burglary, larceny, theft or shoplifting, as well as those who admit to committing those crimes. It also empowers state attorneys general who claim their states or residents have been harmed by immigration policies to sue the federal government.
The House approved the legislation last week, sending the measure to the president’s desk after the Senate expanded its scope to include the assault of a law enforcement officer and crimes that result in the death “or serious bodily injury of another person” as grounds for mandatory detention. The legislation passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support, despite pushback from some Democrats.
Speaking at the signing ceremony Wednesday afternoon, Trump said, “We will keep Laken’s memory alive in our hearts forever. With today’s action, her name will also live forever in the laws of our country.”
Laken mother, Allyson Phillips, delivered a heart-wrenching speech before the signing of the Laken Riley Act. She thanked the senators who have worked so hard to get the legislation passed, and then thanked President Trump, as she broke into tears.
“We also want to thank President Trump for the promises he made to us. He said he would secure our borders and that he never would forget about Laken — and he hasn’t. He is a man of his word,” she said.
“I want to thank our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, because without his sacrifices Laken’s story would have ended on that horrific day that she was taken from us. But because of him, we can continue living knowing we will see Laken again,” she also said.
Watch:
Laken Riley’s mom, Allyson Phillips, before the signing of the Laken Riley Act:
“We also want to thank President Trump for the promises he made to us. He said he would secure our borders and that he never would forget about Laken — and he hasn’t. He is a man of his word.” pic.twitter.com/nCR53d8E9f
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 29, 2025
Below is the moment Trump signed the bill, and then handed the pen to Laken’s mother.
🖊️ SIGNED: The Laken Riley Act is officially the law of the land — the first bill signed into law of President Trump’s second term.
“We’re going to sign this in honor of Laken Riley.” pic.twitter.com/JmvL1LvaeR
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 29, 2025
President Trump had no sooner signed the bill, and was still passing out pens to the family, when a reporter tried to ask a question about a completely unrelated topic.
Trump firmly shut the reporter down, noting that this was not the appropriate time.
I can’t believe what I just witnessed.
A classless reporter started asking off-topic questions right after President Trump finished signing the Laken Riley Act.
The President handled it beautifully, “I don’t think this is appropriate… this is not the appropriate time.” pic.twitter.com/JO2VxB1cs2
— George (@BehizyTweets) January 29, 2025
WATCH full coverage below of President Trump’s speech and the ceremony honoring Laken Riley, as he signed the bill named in her honor.
The bill gained bipartisan support. Earlier Wednesday morning, Democrat Sen. John Fetterman (PA) released a statement and announced, “Today, I’m celebrating the Laken Riley Act being signed into law.”
Today, I’m celebrating the Laken Riley Act being signed into law. pic.twitter.com/gqorOJJ6kQ
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) January 29, 2025
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) released the following statement:
Today, President Trump is signing the first bill of his second administration and the first piece of legislation passed by the 119th Congress. I am proud to announce that this historic moment will enshrine the Laken Riley Act into law.
Laken Riley was a 22-year-old nursing student at the University of Georgia whose life was tragically cut short by an illegal alien animal from Venezuela. Her killer was released into the United States under the reckless open-border policies of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and former Secretary Mayorkas.
Democrats who stood in lockstep with Joe Biden’s open-border agenda have blood on their hands. Laken’s murder could have been prevented if our border was secure and illegal aliens were not allowed to flood into our country.
The signing of this bill today marks a pivotal step in preventing further senseless tragedies. The Laken Riley Act will ensure that no more innocent Americans suffer at the hands of illegal alien criminals.
Laken was a beautiful, kind, and inspiring young woman who touched countless lives. Her memory will live on, and our nation will never forget her.
This law is for Laken—and for every American whose life has been lost because of the Democrat failure to secure our borders.
Today, President Trump is signing the first bill of his second administration and the first piece of legislation passed by the 119th Congress.
I am proud to announce that this historic moment will enshrine the Laken Riley Act into law.
Laken Riley was a 22-year-old nursing… pic.twitter.com/G6RBGUc0HN
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) January 29, 2025
Promises made.
Promises kept. pic.twitter.com/lsMArjpdm2
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 29, 2025
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.
