WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act. 

“The Biden Border Crisis has taken the lives of too many Americans,” said Rep. Hern. "Many of these crimes are repeat offenses from violent individuals in the country illegally, who were repeatedly allowed back into our communities. In honor of 22-year-old Laken Riley, I was proud to cast my ‘yes’ vote on legislation that would require the Department of Homeland Security to ensure illegal immigrants charged with a crime are held in police custody. Joe Biden has failed to protect Americans, and this bill would eliminate the loophole allowing the Biden Administration to release immigrants who commit crimes and endanger our communities. Laken Riley should still be alive today – so we must take real action to protect our communities and prevent this devastating tragedy from happening again.”

Background:

The tragic homicide of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, underscores the dangers of illegal immigration. Her suspected murderer, a Venezuelan immigrant, entered the U.S. illegally and was previously arrested and released in New York City. 

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