WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington) joined President Donald Trump, Congressman Mike Collins (GA-10), members of Georgia’s Congressional delegation, as well as members of the Georgia House of Representatives, at the White House as the Laken Riley Act was signed into law.
“I’m honored to be with President Trump, Congressman Mike Collins, members of our Congressional Delegation and members of the Georgia House to celebrate the signing of the Laken Riley Act,” said Speaker Burns. “The American people delivered a mandate to Washington to crack down on illegal immigration and keep our citizens safe. President Trump is delivering on his promises, and here in Georgia—we stand ready to support his administration in their efforts every step of the way.”
The United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act, named for the 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered by an illegal alien on the University of Georgia’s campus on February 22, 2024, to give local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) more tools to fight illegal immigrants who commit crimes in the United States. On January 7, 2025, the bill passed the House overwhelmingly, 264-159, with 48 Democrats joining every Republican in supporting the legislation.
“Nearly one year ago, Laken Riley’s life was taken by a career criminal illegal alien. Today, with the full support of President Trump, a bicameral group of Republicans and Democrats and the American people, we were finally able to bring justice to the Riley family and ensure that this can never happen again,” said Congressman Collins. “I am beyond grateful to President Trump for making the Laken Riley Act the first law signed under his presidency and finally giving closure to the Riley family. We’re committed to delivering commonsense solutions to fix our broken immigration system, and the Laken Riley Act delivers it.”
During the 2024 legislative session, the Georgia House of Representatives championed the passage of House Bill 1105, the Georgia Criminal Alien Track and Report Act of 2024, which requires Georgia law enforcement officials to work in conjunction with federal immigration authorities and to send, receive and maintain information relating to the immigration status of any individual as reasonably needed for public safety purposes.
“The passage of HB 1105 reinforced our commitment here in Georgia to stand firmly against all forms of illegal immigration,” added Speaker Burns. “This legislation laid the groundwork for the success of President Trump’s current deportation initiatives across the state, and we’re looking forward to continue working alongside the President to make America–and Georgia–safe again.”
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