President Donald Trump has signed into law the first bill of his second term, and it's the one piece of legislation that Congressional Republicans had targeted to land on his desk as quickly as possible upon his return to the White House: the Laken Riley Act.

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In an emotional ceremony in the White House East Room, Trump, joined by Laken's mother, sister and stepfather, signed the bill into law, saying, "We're going to sign this in honor of Laken Riley." Trump called on the bill sponsors, Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) and Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), to join him at the signing desk.

🖊️ SIGNED: The Laken Riley Act is officially the law of the land — the first bill signed into law of President Trump's second term.

"We're going to sign this in honor of Laken Riley." pic.twitter.com/JmvL1LvaeR

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 29, 2025

Before the signing ceremony, Trump told the audience some of the tragic details that led to "precious" Laken's murder in February 2024 at the hands of a violent illegal from Venezuela, who was apprehended by federal law enforcement officials when he crossed the southern border in 2022, but was let go by the "cruel" Biden administration. Laken's murderer, despite being arrested multiple times for offenses like child endangerment and shoplifting, was repeatedly released back into society unmonitored, thus was free to stalk and kill the young nursing student.

Laken Riley was killed by an illegal alien gang member released into the country under the last administration.

"This horrific atrocity should never have been allowed to happen — and as president, I'm fighting every single day to ensure that such a tragedy NEVER happens again." pic.twitter.com/zrfi1MNzpN

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 29, 2025

The president then invited Laken's mother, Allyson Phillips, to the podium to address the crowd, and he movingly stayed close by as she delivered her remarks, even offering a reassuring pat on the back as she struggled to speak of her daughter.

Laken Riley's mom, Allyson Phillips, before the signing of the Laken Riley Act:

"We also want to thank President Trump for the promises he made to us. He said he would secure our borders and that he never would forget about Laken — and he hasn't. He is a man of his word." pic.twitter.com/nCR53d8E9f

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 29, 2025

We would like to thank Senator Katie Britt for her diligent bipartisan work to get this bill through the Senate. We'd also like to thank Congressman Mike Collins for his unwavering passion and for leading on the Laken Riley Act from the start. Our family will forever be grateful for the prayers of the people across our nation and for helping to get this legislation into law. 

We also want to thank President Trump for the promises he made us. He said he would secure our borders and that he would never forget about Laken. And he hasn't. He's a man of his word. We trust that he will fight for the American people. 

The Laken Riley Act offers a slate of commonsense protections for Americans, including the mandated detention of illegals who are accused of committing crimes (in addition to the crime of being here illegally), including larceny, shoplifting, assaults on law enforcement officers, and drunk driving-related manslaughter. Had Laken's killer been detained for his previous offenses, she would likely still be here and embarking on her nursing career

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) was one of the notable, yet few, Democrats to openly support the Laken Riley Act, and was in attendance for the bill signing. However, his related tweet made clear his view on certain aspects of President Trump's immigration reform plans.

Today, I’m celebrating the Laken Riley Act being signed into law. pic.twitter.com/gqorOJJ6kQ

— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) January 29, 2025

Wednesday's signing comes right on the heels of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stripping away the Temporary Protected Status bestowed upon 600,000 Venezuelan illegals by the previous administration. Coupled with the Laken Riley Act and a slew of executive orders, the Trump administration is taking decisive action toward securing the border, prioritizing justice for Americans who have been victims of illegals and paving the way for a new chapter in U.S. immigration policy.