First Tester, a Democrat, to Support GOP’s Laken Riley Act

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., has broken ranks with his party by becoming the first Democrat in the Senate to co-sponsor the Republican-led Laken Riley Act. This act is named after the Georgia nursing student who was tragically killed in February, allegedly by a Venezuelan illegal immigrant.

Tester’s decision to support this act is notable, especially after previously voting against it when it was presented as an amendment to spending bills. However, he expressed his willingness to support it as a standalone bill last month, as reported by The Hill.

The Laken Riley Act, if passed, would mandate federal officials to apprehend and detain undocumented immigrants who commit crimes like burglary, shoplifting, or larceny until they are deported from the United States.

In a video statement, Tester explained his support for the act by saying, “After hearing from law enforcement officers across Montana, I’m backing the Laken Riley Act to make sure that individuals who enter our country and commit a crime are held accountable so that no Montana family has to worry about the safety of their loved ones.”

Senator Tester, who is currently in his third term and is seeking re-election for a fourth term, faces a tough battle in Montana. His seat is one of the battlegrounds in the fight for Senate control starting in 2025. Republican businessman and retired Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy is challenging Tester for the seat.

Laken Riley, the young victim, was only 22 when she was killed while jogging on the University of Georgia campus. The illegal immigrant accused in her murder, Jose Ibarra, had previously been arrested for a nonviolent crime in New York City before being released. Ibarra was indicted on 10 counts of murder and other charges on Wednesday.

Tester emphasized the importance of safety in Montana, stating, “Keeping Montana safe is my top priority, which is why I’ve repeatedly called on the Biden Administration and Congress to do more to secure the southern border and have worked to get the brave men and women in law enforcement what they need to keep criminals off our streets.”

The Laken Riley Act passed in the House in March with the support of every Republican and 37 Democrats. It remains to be seen how it will fare in the Senate.