AMAC Supports the Laken Riley Act

This critical legislation addresses the tragic and preventable loss of Laken Riley, whose life was taken by an illegal alien released into the United States in violation of federal immigration law. The bill mandates that these individuals remain in ICE custody until their removal from the United States, preventing them from reoffending and continuing to victimize Americans.

January 7, 2025

The Honorable Mike Collins
10th Congressional District of Georgia
2351 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Collins,

On behalf of AMAC Action, the advocacy affiliate of AMAC – the Association of Mature American Citizens,
and our more than 2 million members, I am writing to express our strong support for H.R. 29, the Laken
Riley Act.

This critical legislation addresses the tragic and preventable loss of Laken Riley, whose life was taken by
an illegal alien released into the United States in violation of federal immigration law. Months before
committing this heinous act, the perpetrator had been arrested for theft in Georgia but was released
without an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer. H.R. 29 ensures that such failures will
not be repeated, requiring ICE to arrest illegal aliens charged with, convicted of, or admitting to theft,
burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses.

Importantly, the Laken Riley Act mandates that these individuals remain in ICE custody until their
removal from the United States, preventing them from reoffending and continuing to victimize
Americans. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to issue detainers for
such individuals and to take custody of them “effectively and expeditiously.”

H.R. 29 also addresses systemic failures in federal immigration enforcement by providing states with
standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce key immigration statutes.
This provision is a direct response to the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Texas (2023), which
left states powerless to challenge lax federal immigration policies.

Unchecked illegal immigration has wide-reaching consequences, especially for vulnerable populations
like seniors, who are disproportionately impacted by crime and economic strain. By ensuring
enforcement of existing immigration laws and holding federal officials accountable, the Laken Riley Act is
a vital step toward restoring public safety and the rule of law.

AMAC Action strongly supports this legislation which will protect American communities and prevent
further tragedies like Laken Riley’s.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Weber
Chairwoman
AMAC Action