Central Wisconsin News

Wisconsin Representative Tom Tiffany announced that President Trump has signed the Laken Riley Act into law, a measure aimed at ensuring that "illegal aliens" who commit crimes are "immediately detained and deported." Tiffany made this statement in a January 29 post on X.

"President Trump just signed the Laken Riley Act into law," said Tiffany. "From now on, illegal aliens who commit crimes will be immediately DETAINED and DEPORTED. MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!"

The Laken Riley Act, introduced by Representative Mike Collins in March 2024, mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain non-U.S. nationals unlawfully present in the United States and charged with crimes such as burglary, theft, or shoplifting. It also allows states to sue the federal government for lapses in immigration enforcement, including releasing detainees or failing to comply with inspection or parole requirements, according to Congress.gov.

Rep. Tiffany's post | X

According to the Associated Press, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act on January 29, 2024. The legislation is named after a Georgia nursing student killed in 2024 and permits state attorneys general to take legal action against the federal government if immigration enforcement decisions negatively impact states. The bill was introduced following the death of Laken Riley, allegedly caused by Jose Antonio Ibarra, who had been released after being arrested for illegal entry into the U.S. in 2022.

While the bill received support from both Republicans and some Democrats, it faced opposition from 159 Democrats. Some proponents argue it enhances border security; however, critics express concerns about its approach to immigration policy. The legislation also provides states with more authority over immigration matters if they disagree with federal decisions, as reported by the Associated Press.

Tiffany represents Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District and was elected during a special election in May 2020. He grew up on a dairy farm near Elmwood, Wisconsin, and holds a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Before his tenure in Congress, Tiffany served in the Wisconsin State Assembly and State Senate with a focus on tax reduction, job creation, and protection of Second Amendment rights according to his biography provided by House.Gov.