Trump Administration Enforces Laken Riley Act, Arrests Over 17,500 Criminal Illegal Aliens

The Department of Homeland Security reports that more than 17,500 criminal illegal aliens have been arrested and detained nationwide under enforcement of the Laken Riley Act. This federal law mandates detention for noncitizens accused or convicted of specified crimes.

DHS stated arrests targeted individuals charged with or convicted of offenses including theft, burglary, assault on law enforcement officers, and crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

The Laken Riley Act was the first legislation signed by President Donald Trump during his current term. It is named after Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was murdered by a Venezuelan illegal alien later identified as a member of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang.

According to DHS, the suspect had been arrested and released into the United States, then re-arrested and released during President Joe Biden’s administration before killing Riley.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently announced the conclusion of Operation Angel’s Honor, a 14-day nationwide enforcement effort launched in Riley’s name. During this operation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested 1,030 criminal illegal aliens.

“In honor of Laken Riley, ICE launched Operation Angel’s Honor, arresting more than 1,000 criminal illegal aliens under the authority of the Laken Riley Act in just two weeks,” Noem stated.

She emphasized that the administration prioritizes arrests and removals of violent offenders and individuals accused of serious crimes. The law also includes a provision allowing states to sue the federal government over immigration enforcement decisions or alleged failures, with states seeking injunctive relief if they demonstrate harm including financial damage exceeding $100 tied to actions such as releasing noncitizens from custody or failing to detain those ordered for removal.