Attorney General Gentner Drummond has expressed approval following the U.S. Senate's passage of the Laken Riley Act. This legislation requires federal detention for illegal immigrants charged with burglary, theft, shoplifting, and larceny. It also provides state attorneys general with new authority to compel the federal government to deport illegal immigrants who have caused harm exceeding $100 to a state or its citizens.
The bill is named after a Georgia nursing student murdered by an illegal immigrant last year. The perpetrator had been previously arrested for shoplifting but was not detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"The Laken Riley Act is a commonsense measure that should not even be needed," said Drummond. "The Biden Administration's refusal to secure the border and enforce existing immigration laws has resulted in deadly consequences for the Riley family and so many others. I am thankful that Oklahoma's entire Congressional delegation has prioritized the safety of American families by supporting this important legislation, and I am excited for President Trump to sign it into law."
Drummond highlighted his satisfaction with the act’s provision expanding state attorneys general's powers, allowing them to sue federal officials to ensure they fulfill their legal responsibilities.
"Giving state attorneys general the authority to force derelict federal officials to do their job is a game changer for public safety," Drummond stated. "Had this measure been in place under the Biden Administration, I would have had the power to force the deportation of thousands of criminal illegal immigrants here in Oklahoma who have caused immeasurable harm."
In March, Drummond, along with 25 other state attorneys general, urged U.S. Senate leaders for swift action on passing the Laken Riley Act after it passed in the House but faced delays in the Senate.