Democratic Lawmaker Expresses Regret Over Laken Riley Act Amid Concerns for Legal Immigrants

Democratic Lawmaker Expresses Regret Over Laken Riley Act Amid Concerns for Legal Immigrants

Representative Jahana Hayes, a Democrat from Connecticut, publicly expressed her regret on Thursday for her vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act early this year. During a CNN town hall event, Hayes shared her change of heart regarding the controversial immigration law.

While addressing anchor Kaitlan Collins, Hayes explained that her support for the legislation initially stemmed from its provisions aimed at protecting police officers. Yet, she reflected on the impact the Trump administration’s policies have had on legal immigrants, stating that she felt compelled to reconsider her stance.

“As I’ve thought about it over the last couple of months, I probably would have voted differently. It’s a vote that I regret,” said Hayes, capturing the sentiments of many lawmakers disillusioned by recent developments in immigration policy.

The Laken Riley Act: Key Provisions and Background

President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law in January 2025, marking a significant legislative move by the administration. The act mandates that federal immigration authorities detain illegal immigrants who are charged or convicted of theft-related crimes, as well as those accused of assaulting police officers. Additionally, the law provides states with the authority to sue the Department of Homeland Security for any harm caused by illegal immigration.

This piece of legislation was named in honor of Laken Riley, a nursing student who tragically lost her life at the hands of an illegal immigrant while jogging on the University of Georgia’s campus. This tragic story helped galvanize support for the act among some lawmakers who prioritized public safety concerns.

Critiques of the Legislation

However, critics of the Laken Riley Act argue that it undermines the due process rights of immigrants. Organizations such as the American Immigration Council have voiced strong opposition to the law, arguing that it enables indefinite detention for individuals accused—not convicted—of low-level crimes, including shoplifting. This raises serious concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations like children who might be wrongfully accused.

In a statement released shortly after the law’s enactment, the American Immigration Council emphasized the potential consequences, saying, “Under this law, individuals could be detained based solely on accusations of minor crimes, leading to unlawful detainment of innocent people.” These criticisms highlight the ongoing debate over immigration reform and the balance between public safety and individuals’ rights.

Hayes Shares Concerns About Immigrant Safety

During her conversation with Collins, Hayes addressed the widespread fear among legal immigrants who feel threatened by current enforcement policies. She articulated her concern for immigrants who are lawfully residing in the United States yet are subjected to increasing hostility and uncertainty regarding their status.

“I understand how immigrants across this country, who are here legally and have followed the law, are being terrorized right now because they are unsure of what happens next,