Republicans hope to pass Laken Riley bill with new GOP majority.

In the upcoming year, Senate Republicans plan to introduce and vote on several measures that were previously rejected by Democrats in the previous Congress. The first of these measures is the Laken Riley Act, which will be reintroduced by Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and will be put up for a vote by the end of the week.

The measure was named after the 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student who was found dead on the University of Georgia's campus in February. Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old illegal immigrant, was found guilty of 10 total counts, including felony murder. He initially pleaded not guilty.

He was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in November.

The bill proposes that ICE must detain illegal immigrants who have committed theft, burglary, or shoplifting until they are deported. Furthermore, states would have the authority to sue the federal government if they fail to enforce immigration law.

Laken Riley's life was full of promise, and her loss on February 22, 2024, left a void in the lives of those who knew her. Allyson and John Phillips, Laken's mother and stepfather, described her as a shining beacon who shared her love for Jesus with everyone she met. Laken's selflessness, hard work, and kindness touched the hearts of all who crossed her path. Although her faith was not just spoken, but lived, Laken's impact on the world will be felt for years to come.

"We fully support the Laken Riley Act as it aims to save innocent lives and prevent families from experiencing the heartbreak we have gone through. Laken would have turned 23 on January 10th. The best gift we could give her and our country is to continue her legacy by saving lives through this bill. All members of Congress should support this commonsense bill that will make our country and communities safer. We thank Congressman Mike Collins, Senator Katie Britt, and Senator Ted Budd for their efforts to honor Laken's legacy and get this legislation passed into law."

In March, Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., first introduced the bill in the House, and it was later presented in the Senate by Britt.

The Senate never voted on the standalone legislation bill.

The GOP has a chance to pass significant legislation with a unified federal government that prioritizes the southern border and addressing illegal immigration.

Laken Riley was brutally murdered last year, leaving behind her family, friends, and dreams. The killer, who should not have been in the United States, was able to roam freely on American streets after being charged with multiple crimes. Britt stated that Laken's murder was a direct result of willful open border policies.

On November 5, the American people delivered a verdict, making it clear that they want to remove criminal illegal aliens and protect American families. It is now up to Democrats to hear, respect, and obey that verdict. Congress has a responsibility to prevent tragedies like Laken's from happening again, which is why they must pass the Laken Riley Act as soon as possible. No other American family should have to endure the pain that Laken's family has felt for over 320 days since her loss.

Laken Riley was killed by an illegal criminal who entered Collins' district because local law enforcement lacked the necessary tools to stop him. Collins vowed to continue fighting until the bill crosses the finish line and reaches the President's desk.

The Laken Riley Act, co-led in the Senate by Sen. Tedd Budd, R-N.C., aims to empower the Trump administration to enforce laws, secure the nation, and prevent tragedies. Budd stated, "What happened to Laken Riley should never happen to any American citizen. As we turn the page from the disastrous open-border policies of Joe Biden, this bipartisan effort will keep our nation safe."

With Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., leading the charge, a vote on the bill is imminent.

According to a source close to Planet Chronicle Digital, a vote in the upper chamber is expected to occur on Friday, and Democrats will be obligated to publicly state their position.

If the measure is only supported by Republicans, it will not be able to pass the legislative filibuster, which requires 60 votes to end debate and move forward. Notably, new Democratic senators Ruben Gallego and Elissa Slotkin voted in favor of the bill in the House last year.

The upcoming vote will highlight the Georgia Senate delegation, with a focus on Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., who is running for re-election in 2026 in the state where President-elect Donald Trump won.