Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act:

“Laken Riley’s death was a heartbreaking tragedy. It was also preventable, and a direct result of President Biden’s refusal to secure our border.

“No family should have to live in fear or go through what Laken Riley’s family has. We need to restore Law and Order at the southern border and make sure we give no quarter to criminals who have entered our country illegally.

“This legislation accomplishes that, and I hope the president will finally put fringe politics aside and instead stand up for the safety and security of American citizens.”

Background:
• Laken Riley was a 22-year old nursing student who was murdered on February 22, 2024 at the hands of an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. Riley’s killer entered the U.S. illegally under the Biden Administration in 2022 and had previously been arrested in New York City.
• The Laken Riley Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain illegal immigrants who commit theft, denounces President Biden’s open border policies, and allows states to sue the Biden Administration for not enforcing parole.
• Rep. Yakym is a cosponsor of the Laken Riley Act.