The Laken Riley Act is set to be approved and signed into law

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s been almost a year since Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, was murdered by José Antonio Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant.

Riley was attacked on February 22, 2024, while jogging at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.

Her body was found in Oconee Forest Park near Lake Herrick.

Twenty-six-year-old José Antonio Ibarra entered the United States illegally in 2023.

Before this incident, he had been charged with various violations and criminal offenses.

After his arrest, Ibarra was charged with 10 counts, including:

•Felony murder

•Malice murder

•False imprisonment

•Aggravated assault with intent to rape

•Kidnapping

In November 2024, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Due to the tragic magnitude of Riley’s case, the Laken Riley Act was born.

Senator Katie Britt introduced the Laken Riley Act in hopes of preventing such tragedies from ever happening again.

The act allows the federal government to be sued if immigration laws are not properly enforced and ensures the deportation of undocumented immigrants who commit violent crimes.

Senator Britt emphasized that the bill was not created to target peaceful undocumented immigrants.

While acknowledging that they are not following U.S. laws, she stated that the act aims to protect families, women, children, and anyone vulnerable to the actions of dangerous, illegal individuals.

“Let me be very clear: the only individuals subject to this bill are criminal illegal aliens. These individuals crossed our border illegally and then committed crimes after arriving here. That’s who we’re talking about—dangerous criminals coming into our country illegally and causing harm,” she said.

Representative Chuck Fleischmann echoed Britt’s message, urging Americans to support efforts to protect their families from preventable crimes.

“I have been privileged to vote on this twice. It passed the House last week, and I voted for it. It has also passed the United States Senate. I want to see more Democrats join us on bills that are simply good for America. It doesn’t have to be a Republican or Democratic bill—it’s a good bill for America,” he said.

The bill passed with a vote of 264-159:

•Republicans: 216 YEA, 0 NAY

•Democrats: 48 YEA, 159 NAY

The Laken Riley Act is set to pass the House, allowing President Trump to sign it into law.

We will continue to provide updates as these milestones are reached.