Congressman Mike Haridopolos Issues Statement Following The House’s Passage of the Laken Riley Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) issued the following statement after joining his colleagues in the House of Representatives in passing H.R. 29, the bipartisan Laken Riley Act. 

“I am proud to support this crucial legislation," said Haridopolos. The Laken Riley Act is an important step forward in protecting the safety, security, and integrity of our nation and its citizens. This bill will strengthen our immigration laws by mandating ICE detention for any illegal aliens who are charged with, convicted for, or admit to committing any act of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. This is common-sense: Illegal immigrants who commit further crimes in America have no place in our country.

“Months before the murder of the 22-year-old nursing student, Laken Riley, her killer was arrested for theft. However, authorities released him and he was not detained by ICE. This was a horrific tragedy that could have been prevented by simply enforcing America’s laws. By putting this critical legislation into motion, I hope to ensure that an act of violence such as Laken Riley’s murder never happens again.” 

“This bill is the beginning of a return to an immigration policy that puts the security of Americans first. I look forward to working with my colleague to pass legislation that works to further protect our citizens and secure our nation”