A version of this story appeared in the On Background newsletter from The Washington Times. Click here to receive On Background delivered directly to your inbox each Friday.
Republican senators demanded Wednesday that the Senate pass legislation to press the government to deport migrant thieves, burglars and shoplifters, saying it can help oust dangerous migrants who are in the country illegally before they commit more serious crimes.
The senators introduced the Laken Riley Act, named after the Georgia student whose slaying has been blamed on a migrant, and asked Democrats who control the chamber for quick action.
“Make no mistake — Laken Riley’s heartbreaking murder was a direct, preventable consequence of willful open border policies by President Biden and his administration,” said Sen. Katie Britt, Alabama Republican and one of the chief sponsors of the bill.
A version of the bill cleared the House last week in a 251-170 vote, with more than three dozen Democrats joining the GOP in backing the legislation.
Riley’s death has proved a turning point in the immigration debate, creating a tragic victim for what is usually portrayed as a victimless crime.
Authorities have charged Jose Ibarra, an immigrant from Venezuela, with her killing. Mr. Ibarra was caught crossing in the U.S. illegally and released through Mr. Biden’s “parole” program. He had several run-ins with the law during his time in the U.S., but was still out in the community when Riley was killed last month.
“We simply cannot tolerate any more senseless tragedies like this one. What happened to Laken Riley should never happen to any American citizen,” said Sen. Ted Budd, North Carolina Republican, who is joining Ms. Britt in leading the effort on the Senate bill.
The legislation would push Homeland Security to find space to detain and try to deport immigrants without documentation who are charged with or convicted of burglary, theft, larceny or shoplifting. The bill would also create legal “standing” for states to sue the administration over policies that seem to be more lenient than the law calls for when it comes to immigration.
Among the nearly three dozen GOP senators signed onto the bill is Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.