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, a law mandating federal detention for noncitizens accused or convicted of specified crimes.
DHS stated the arrests targeted illegal aliens 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 murdered by a Venezuelan illegal alien later identified as a member of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. DHS noted that the suspect had been arrested and released into the U.S., then arrested again and released during the administration of President Joe Biden before killing Riley.
Earlier this week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the conclusion of Operation Angel’s Honor, a 14-day nationwide enforcement effort launched in Riley’s name. DHS reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested 1,030 criminal illegal aliens during the operation.
“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 the last two weeks alone,” Noem stated. She emphasized that the administration prioritizes arrests and removals of violent offenders and those accused of serious crimes.
The law also includes a provision allowing states to sue the federal government over certain immigration enforcement decisions or alleged failures. States may seek injunctive relief if they demonstrate harm, including financial damage exceeding $100, tied to actions such as releasing a noncitizen from custody, failing to inspect those seeking admission, improperly granting immigration parole, or failing to detain individuals ordered removed.
