A functional government’s greatest responsibility is to protect its citizens. Unfortunately, the United States government has failed in that duty over the last four years – particularly as it relates to the porous condition of our nation’s southern border. The now infamous murder of Georgia student Laken Riley – who would have turned 23 last week – is a stark reminder of the profound human consequences of the Biden administration’s border policy, or lack thereof.
In February 2024, Laken was brutally murdered by illegal alien José Antonio Ibarra. Despite Ibarra’s arrest on theft charges just months before, the federal government did not detain or deport him, allowing Ibarra to remain on the streets. Public coverage of the case has been substantial, and our country has demanded change to our immigration laws as a result.
The American people spoke loudly in the November 2024 elections. Border security has been a top priority of President-elect Donald J. Trump for many years. Furthermore, his top allies in Congress, like Alabama Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), are quickly moving this month to pass a re-introduced version of the Laken Riley Act – which will take significant steps to prevent future failures of our immigration system.
The Laken Riley Act requires the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to take into custody illegal aliens charged with or convicted of burglary, larceny or theft. This will give law enforcement an important tool to keep illegal aliens with known criminal backgrounds off the streets.
The Act also gives state attorneys general the authority to hold the federal government accountable should it fail to enforce our immigration laws, as the outgoing Biden administration has done. More specifically, states can ask the courts to stop the federal government if ICE releases or grants bond to an illegal alien who has harmed a state or its citizens.
Under the Biden administration, average daily encounters of illegal immigrants at the border increased four-fold since the final year of Trump’s first term. This is the same administration that sued the Texas government to prevent them from enforcing immigration laws. Thankfully, these neglectful and misguided actions will soon end. Meaningful change simply cannot occur when leaders are unwilling to admit that a problem exists.
The border crisis is a serious problem. To solve any problem, you must take the next right step. Bottom line: when you come to our country, break our laws, and endanger our families, our government shouldn’t just set you free and hope you don’t skip bail. You should go to jail until you are removed from the United States.
The Laken Riley Act does just that. The Act passed in the U.S. House last week with the support of the entire Alabama House delegation and the bill should be on the floor of the U.S. Senate in the coming days. That’s why, as a husband and father, I am thankful that Britt and our congressional delegation are doing what it takes to protect our families from criminals who are in our country illegally.
Thomas Govan is a husband, father, and attorney living in Montgomery.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
