Trump signs Lake Riley action in law as the first legislative victory in new administration

President Donald Trump signed the Lake Riley Act in Law on Wednesday and marked the first piece of legislation to be allowed in his second administration.

“This horrible cruelty should never have been allowed to happen,” Trump said journalists on Wednesday before signing the legislation. “And as president, I struggle every single day to make sure such a tragedy never happens again.”

The measure that passed through parliament and the Senate in January leads immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants arrested or charged with theft-related crimes, or those accused of assault on a police officer.

The law also allows states to sue the Department of Homeland Security for damage caused by their citizens due to illegal immigration.

Congress sends the Lake Riley Act to Trump’s desk as the first bill of GOPS takeover of Washington

Jose Ibarra, Left, was found guilty of 10 counts in the death of Georgia Nursing Student Lake Riley, right. (Hyosub Shin/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, Pool)

The name of the law honors a nursing student killed during a jogging at the University of Georgia’s campus by an illegal immigrant. Jose Ibarra, who had previously been arrested, but never detained by ICE, received a prison life to kill 22-year-old Lake Riley.

Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, expressed his gratitude for the signing of anyone who was pushing to promote the legislation.

“We also want to thank President Trump for the promises he gave us,” Phillips said. “He said he would secure our boundaries and that he would never forget the lake. And he has not. He is a man with his word.”

Riley’s father, John and sister, Lauren, were also present at the signing.

The measure received support from all House Republicans and 48 Democrats and all Senate Republicans and 12 Senate Democrats. Trump proclaimed Bipartisan efforts Wednesday.

“With today’s action, her name will also live forever in the laws of our country,” Trump said. “And this is a very important law. This is something that has brought Democrats and Republicans together. It’s not easy to do. The lake did. The lake did it. America will never, ever forget the lake Hope Riley.”

Meanwhile, critics of the measure argue that the law will pave the way of mass detention, including for those who have committed minor offenses as a store lift.

Sarah Mehta, senior border policy adviser at the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement after the Senate voted to promote the measure in front of a final vote, “This is an extreme and reactive bill that will approve the largest extension of mandatory detention We have seen for decades.

The Lake Riley Act passes House with 48 Dems, all Republicans

President Donald Trump signs another executive order during the initial parade inside the Capital One Arena on the day of inauguration for his second presidential term, January 20, 2025. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

“While we are disappointed that this bill will adopt the Senate, it is noteworthy that so many senators opposed it and recognized the need for actual immigration reform – not the chaos and cruelty that this legislation will detach,” Mehta said.

Trump promised to crack down on illegal immigration during his campaign and declared a national emergency at the southern border after his inauguration. He also immediately ordered the deportation of migrants without the possibility of asylum.

On Tuesday, the White House warned press secretary Karoline Leavitt foreign nationals, considering entering the United States that they will be detained and kicked out of the country.

Tidal wave of border security bills hit the house as Republicans move quickly on DC takeover

On January 28, 2025, the White House warned press secretary Karoline Leavitt foreign nationals, considering entering the United States that they will be detained and kicked out of the country. (Samuel Corum/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Click here to get the Fox News app

“So to foreign nationals who are considering trying to illegally enter the United States, think again,” Leavitt told journalists on Tuesday at the White House Press Briefing. “Under this president you will be detained and you will be deported. Every day Americans are more secure because of the violent criminals that President Trump’s administration removes from our society.”

Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.