WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPG) - On Jan. 29, President Trump signed S. 5, the Laken Riley Act, into law. This legislation is a decisive step toward strengthening immigration enforcement and protecting Americans from violent crime.

"Today, the Laken Riley Act was signed into law, a critical step toward protecting innocent lives. As we celebrate this victory, we must remember the tragic losses of Laken Riley and two Californians, Jamiel Shaw II and Kate Steinle, lives taken by illegal immigrants who should never have been here. Their deaths, along with the countless others impacted by this violence, highlight the need for action. This law is a promise that their stories will not be forgotten and that we will continue to hold those who endanger us accountable," said Rep. LaMalfa.

The Laken Riley Act mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest and detain illegal immigrants who are charged with or convicted of serious crimes like burglary, theft, larceny, and assault, until they can be removed from the country. By ensuring that dangerous individuals do not remain in the U.S., this law makes it clear that those who commit crimes will be held accountable and not allowed to continue putting innocent lives at risk.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California's First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba counties.