Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp said that the Laken Riley Act will honor Laken's memory by preventing "future tragedies" and ensuring accountability for those who commit violent crimes. Kemp made his statement in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on January 29, 2025.
"Laken Riley would've been alive today had the previous administration enforced our country's immigration laws and secured our border," said Brian P. Kemp. "Today, I join families across our state and nation in thanking @POTUS for signing the Laken Riley Act into law, honoring Laken's memory in a way that will prevent future tragedies like the violent crime that took her life."
According to the Associated Press, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act on January 29. The legislation is named after a Georgia nursing student killed in 2024. It mandates the detention of unauthorized immigrants accused of crimes such as theft or violence and allows state attorneys general to sue the federal government if immigration enforcement decisions adversely affect states. The bill was introduced following the death of Laken Riley, allegedly at the hands of Jose Antonio Ibarra, who had been released after being arrested for illegal entry into the U.S. in 2022.
The act requires federal officials to detain individuals arrested for violent or criminal offenses, preventing them from remaining at large in the U.S. While it received bipartisan support, with some Democrats joining Republicans in backing it, 159 Democrats opposed it. Proponents argue it strengthens border security; however, critics express concerns about its approach to immigration policy. The bill also provides states with more influence over immigration matters if they disagree with federal decisions.
Governor Kemp is serving as Georgia's 83rd governor since taking office in 2019. A native of Athens, Georgia, he began his career as a small business owner over three decades ago. His website notes that during his tenure, Georgia experienced significant economic growth with record-breaking job creation and investments. As the first state to reopen its economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia maintained low unemployment and continued to be recognized as a leading state for business. Kemp was re-elected in 2022 and has focused on addressing inflation, public safety, education, and tax cuts.
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