Ocean County Leader

With the support of Representative Chris Smith, the House of Representatives has passed the Laken Riley Act (S. 5). The legislation aims to strengthen deportation laws and enhance protection for Americans from criminal aliens entering the United States.

"Marie and I offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Laken Riley, whose senseless murder is the direct result of the Biden administration’s illegal open-border policies," said Smith. "This legislation, named in her honor, closes the loophole that allowed her killer to evade ICE detainers, and ensures immigration laws are followed."

Laken Riley was a 22-year-old nursing student who went missing on February 22, 2024. She was later found dead. Her killer, Jose Antonio Ibarra, had entered the U.S. illegally and had been arrested twice before for shoplifting and endangering a child's welfare.

"The Laken Riley Act requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens like Laken Riley’s killer who have been arrested for additional crimes like shoplifting, burglary, or theft," stated Smith. He has voted three times in favor of this bill's passage.

The final version of this bill also broadens the list of criminal offenses leading to detention for inadmissible aliens. It now includes assault on law enforcement officers and crimes resulting in serious bodily injury or death.

"I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to adopt more commonsense immigration laws, secure our southern border, and keep our communities safe," added Smith.