Talk about a heartbreaking and heartwarming moment all rolled into one.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law in front of Republican politicians that championed the bill and in front of Laken Riley’s family.
In a press conference where Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, made remarks, she thanked multiple senators, as well as Trump. Phillips even went so far as to praise the president for quickly fulfilling the promises he made to them.
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“We also want to thank President Trump for the promises he made to us,” Phillips said. “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. We trust that he will fight for the American people.”
Trump comforted Phillips as she paused, justifiably choking up, before saying that the president hasn’t forgotten about her daughter. She went on to, “most importantly,” thank “our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Laken Riley's mom, Allyson Phillips, before the signing of the Laken Riley Act:
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 29, 2025
"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
For context, here is the summary of the Laken Riley Act:
This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement.
Under this bill, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting.
The bill also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a
- decision to release a non-U.S. national from custody;
- failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews;
- failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country;
- violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or
- failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States.
Sorry for your loss, Ms. Phillips. We won’t forget about Laken, either.
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Greenville, NC RV dealership fined for flying giant American flag wins battle against the city.
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The flag will stay up!
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