Grassley and group of GOP senators introduce Senate version of Laken Riley Act

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and more than 30 Republicans introduced the Lake Riley Act after the House version passed 251-170 last week.

The bill would require ICE to "arrest and detain illegal immigrants who commit theft, burglary, larceny or shoplifting until they are ultimately removed from the United States," according to Grassley's office. "The bill would ensure states have standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce, or who violate, immigration law."

Riley, a 22-year-old college student, was killed and police have charged an illegal immigrant and repeat criminal offender who was previously been detained and released under the Biden administration.

“Laken Riley’s life was robbed by an illegal immigrant, and repeat criminal offender, who the Biden administration allowed to slip through the cracks,” Grassley said in a statement. “The Laken Riley Act would ensure criminals who have illegally entered our country receive due justice and would help keep communities safe. We must act now to ensure this terrible tragedy never happens again.”