WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, President Donald Trump officially signed the Laken Riley Act, which grants immigration officials the authority to detain undocumented immigrants who are arrested for various crimes.

This marks Trump’s inaugural piece of legislation in his second term, following his campaign promises to fortify the U.S.-Mexico border and implement mass deportations to address what he has termed an “invasion” of migrants.

“This is a groundbreaking law that we are launching today,” Trump stated from the White House. “It will protect countless innocent lives in America.”

The act takes its name from Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who lost her life on February 22, 2024, during a jog in Athens, Georgia. She was killed by a Venezuelan citizen illegally residing in the U.S., who had been arrested previously for shoplifting but was not detained. Riley’s tragic story became a focal point for Trump and the Republican Party during the 2024 election cycle.

“America will always remember Laken Hope Riley,” Trump remarked. “This terrible tragedy should have never occurred. And as your president, I am committed every day to making sure something like this never happens again.”

Under this new legislation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is mandated to detain individuals without legal immigration status who are arrested, charged with, or accused of specific crimes such as burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, or assaulting a police officer.

During the signing ceremony held in the White House East Room, Allyson Riley, Laken’s mother, was seated beside Vice President JD Vance in the front row.

“He promised to secure our borders and to remember Laken,” Allyson Riley shared, becoming emotional as she spoke briefly. “And he has kept that promise because he is a man of his word.”

The legislation garnered bipartisan support in Congress, including votes from 10 Democratic senators hailing from pivotal states, reflecting the increasing political risks related to border control for the Democratic Party.

“That’s why I’m here instead of someone else,” Trump stated about the significance of immigration in the upcoming 2024 election. “In fact, I believe it’s the most crucial issue.”

Contributing: Reuters.

Contact Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.