WASHINGTON, D.C. — During the first full week of the 119th Congress, U.S. Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, took his first legislative vote in support of H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act. 

This legislation was led by U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, R-Georgia, and passed out of the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 264-159.

“The Laken Riley Act is a common sense, conservative bill that is critical for both our Southern Ohio communities and our entire Nation,” Taylor said. “By enabling ICE to hold illegal immigrants accountable for their actions in our communities, the Laken Riley Act will protect our loved ones and keep violent criminals off our streets.”

In February of 2024, nursing student Laken Riley, 22,  was attacked and murdered by an undocumented immigrant at the University of Georgia’s campus.

Her attacker, Jose Ibarra, of Venezuela, had previously been cited for shoplifting by the Athens Police Department, but was allowed to remain in the United States. He was convicted for his actions against Laken and sentenced by a judge to life in prison without parole.

“Absolutely no one should lose their life at the hands of a criminal who shouldn’t be in our country in the first place,” Taylor said. “The United States must have secure borders and law enforcement officials who are equipped with the right tools to deal with crime from illegal aliens.”

“As a father of three girls,” Taylor said, “I can’t fathom the anguish that Laken’s parents must feel from the senseless loss of their young daughter. This legislation is a good first step to ensuring that unnecessary tragedies like her death never happen again.”

Taylor’s office said by requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement to issue detainers and take custody of illegal immigrants who commit crimes related to theft, the Laken Riley Act will address public safety threats posed by illegal aliens, secure America’s borders and hold the Biden Administration accountable for what they said were lax border policies.

H.R. 29 will additionally allow state governments to seek injunctive relief through lawsuits if decisions from immigration enforcement harm their state or residents in their communities.

Taylor represents Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes Lawrence County.