President Donald Trump has signed the Laken Riley Act, expanding the federal government's ability to detain undocumented immigrants.
The Act, which is the first piece of legislation signed into law by the President during his second administration, is named after 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, who was killed by undocumented immigrant José Ibarra while on a run in Georgia.
The legislation allows federal law enforcement to detain undocumented immigrants for minor offenses, including minor theft or shoplifting, reported AP News. It also allows for the detainment of those without legal status charged with assault of a law enforcement officer or crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury of another person.
"We will keep Laken's memory alive in our hearts forever," Trump said. "With today's action, her name will also live forever in the laws of our country."
"It's a landmark law that we are doing today, it will save countless innocent American lives," he continued.
Republicans largely blamed President Joe Biden for Riley's death after it was discovered that Ibarra had been previously charged with shoplifting in New York, but was not detained by immigration officers.
"If this act had been the law of the land, he never would have had the opportunity to kill her," said Republican Rep. Mike Collins from Georgia.
"If you come into this country illegally and you commit a crime, you should not be free to roam the streets of this nation," concurred Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala.
The bill passed with bipartisan support, with 46 Democrats in the House and 12 Democrats in the Senate supporting the legislation.
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