On January 29th, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, marking the first legislative action of his new term. Named in memory of a young woman whose tragic and senseless death shook the nation, our hearts go out to Laken Riley’s family and loved ones, who suffered an unimaginable loss. No family should ever have to endure such pain, and we stand with them in their grief.
While this legislation was allegedly introduced to enhance public safety, it is deeply troubling to see this tragedy being used to advance anti-immigrant policies that do nothing to make our communities safer. When immigrants fear that reporting a crime or seeking help could lead to their deportation, everyone’s safety is at risk.
For our clients, this moment is frightening. The political climate is increasingly hostile, and laws like this create even more uncertainty. But here’s what we want you to know: you are not alone. We are here to fight for you, your families, and your future.
Overview of the Laken Riley Act
The Laken Riley Act expands federal immigration enforcement by mandating the detention of undocumented individuals arrested for, charged with, convicted of, or admit to certain crimes burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, the assault of a law enforcement officer, or any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person, among other provisions. This means that undocumented individuals are required to be detained even before they are convicted until they are either deported or have their criminal case resolved. Essentially, you are detained or even deported without due process, which is unconstitutional. How are immigrants expected to fight their criminal cases if they are detained?
Additionally, the law allows state attorneys general to sue the federal government if they believe immigration laws are not being enforced properly.
The law also pressures local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, which could lead to racial profiling and increased fear within immigrant communities. Rather than improving public safety, this law serves to criminalize immigrants, create further division in society, and erode the civil rights of both immigrants and our community as a whole.
How This Affects You
This new policy certainly raises many questions and concerns about how our clients may be impacted. We are here to provide guidance and resources on how to best protect yourself.
This new law only applies to undocumented immigrants who entered without inspection (EWI) and are accused of having committed certain crimes. The law does not impact lawful permanent residents or those with temporary status.
This puts an already vulnerable population at an even higher risk. For example, if an abusive husband wanted to “get rid” of his undocumented wife, he would just have to put a pack of gum in her purse while shopping, not tell her, and then report her to security for shoplifting. When the police are called, she’ll be referred to ICE and they are required to detain her under this Act. This is a chilling new reality for our communities.
Immigration advocates are only just learning how this will play out in our immigration court system and how the criminal justice system will respond. We will stay on top of developments.
How to Protect Yourself
If you are undocumented or in the process of adjusting your immigration status, you may feel particularly vulnerable under this new law. But remember, you have rights. It is now more important than ever to be prepared and fully understand your options if you find yourself in a situation where this new law could be enforced.
- Know Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status or country of origin.
- Do Not Open Your Door for ICE: Unless they have a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge, you are not obligated to let immigration officers into your home.
- Consult an Immigration Attorney: Now is the time to review your options. There may be legal pathways available to protect you from deportation or help you gain status.
- Have an Emergency Plan: Discuss with your family what to do if someone is detained. Keep important documents and contact numbers in a safe place.
More in-depth information about Know Your Rights here.
We Will Keep Fighting
Hope Immigration strongly believes that immigrants deserve dignity, respect, and a fair chance at the American Dream. We will continue to challenge anti-immigrant policies, fight for our clients’ rights, and advocate for a system that values justice over fearmongering.
If you have questions or concerns about your status, contact us. We will stand by you, no matter what. You are not alone. We are in this fight together.
Sources
- https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5
- https://hopeimmigration.com/know-your-rights-protecting-yourself-and-your-family-in-uncertain-times/
- https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/29/laken-riley-act-us-immigration
- https://apnews.com/article/30a34248fa984d8d46b809c3e6d8731a
- https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/01/29/president-trump-signs-laken-riley-act-law
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-signs-laken-riley-act/
- https://www.npr.org/2025/01/29/g-s1-45275/trump-laken-riley-act
- https://apnews.com/article/what-is-laken-riley-act-trump-immigration-2667d626139ddf5a16d1533516eab18f
- https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5