Tulsa Standard

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) voted for H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, as a response to the Biden Border Crisis. Hern expressed his views on the matter by stating, "The Biden Border Crisis has taken the lives of too many Americans." He further emphasized the need for action, especially in light of the tragic homicide of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student.

Hern highlighted the importance of the legislation, saying, "In honor of 22-year-old Laken Riley, I was proud to cast my ‘yes’ vote on legislation that would require the Department of Homeland Security to ensure illegal immigrants charged with a crime are held in police custody." He underscored the necessity of preventing similar tragedies in the future, stating, "Laken Riley should still be alive today – so we must take real action to protect our communities and prevent this devastating tragedy from happening again."

The Laken Riley Act aims to address issues related to illegal immigration, particularly focusing on ensuring that individuals charged with crimes are held in police custody. The legislation is a response to the case of Laken Riley, whose suspected murderer, a Venezuelan immigrant, entered the U.S. illegally and had a history of arrests and releases in New York City.

The vote on the Laken Riley Act reflects Representative Hern's commitment to protecting American communities and addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration.