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EXCLUSIVE: The sister of Laken Riley expressed her family’s cautious optimism regarding recent immigration policy shifts under President Donald Trump. In an exclusive conversation with Fox News Digital, she stated that although there remains much work to be done, progress could lead to significant benefits for the nation.
Laken, a 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University, lost her life during a tragic encounter with an undocumented migrant while jogging in February 2024. This gruesome incident sparked widespread outrage and discussions surrounding immigration enforcement.
Laken’s sister, Lauren Phillips, emphasized her commitment to advocating for stronger border security measures in honor of her sibling. She articulated the necessity of keeping border security at the forefront of public discussion.
“It’s important that we continuously remind people about the critical nature of securing our borders and the dangers that arise from insufficient safeguards,” Phillips stated. “We definitely feel hope – we just need to keep talking about it and keep everyone aware of what happens when nothing is done. While I am grateful for the efforts made so far, there is still a lot left to accomplish.”
Lauren Phillips featured prominently in the first video released by the American Border Story (TABS), a national initiative focused on revealing the human consequences of the border crisis through personal narratives. This platform aims to shed light on the ongoing issues associated with immigration.
“I feel it’s essential to convey that this situation extends beyond Laken – similar tragedies continue to occur,” Phillips commented, emphasizing that mere storytelling isn’t sufficient. The TABS initiative is dedicated to exposing the oft-ignored realities surrounding immigration.
The video series aims to highlight the human stories behind immigration statistics and generate a sense of accountability among politicians and media. Nicole Kiprilov, executive director of TABS, echoed these sentiments, calling Laken Riley’s narrative a critical alert to the ongoing crisis.
Kiprilov expressed, “We are honored to stand with Lauren and other brave families across America transforming their grief into purposeful advocacy.” The documentary aims not only to commemorate victims but also to demand accountability and prioritize the safety of American citizens.
In her heartfelt testimony within the video, Phillips shared cherished memories of her sister and underscored the importance of border security as a matter of common sense. “I could talk about her forever,” she remarked, recalling Laken as not only her sister but her closest confidante. “Laken had a light that is impossible to ignore, bringing comfort and strength to those around her.”
Just days into his second administration, Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, marking it as his first legislative initiative. This new law instructs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants who have been arrested for theft-related offenses or for assaulting law enforcement officers. Furthermore, the act empowers states to initiate lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security for harm inflicted on their residents due to illegal immigration.
Despite these legislative advancements, Phillips expressed her fears associated with walking around the city where her sister was killed. The shocking incident occurred close to the University of Georgia campus in Athens, a location that many consider an unofficial sanctuary city.
“The necessary laws to protect our community remain unimplemented in a city where such a heartbreaking incident took place,” she noted. Phillips had initially believed that her sister’s tragic fate would catalyze significant changes, but the lingering sense of insecurity reflects her concerns. “I think it’s essential to keep this dialogue active; we need to remain vocal and vigilant, hoping this will spur action,” she added.
In addition to her advocacy for stronger immigration controls and her ongoing remembrance of Laken, Phillips and her family established the Laken Hope Foundation, aimed at raising awareness about the impacts of lax border security.
“I thank God every day for the opportunity to share Laken’s story. Her life was a gift, and I find solace in her faith, knowing that the challenges we face here pale in comparison to the eternal joy she experiences now,” Phillips concluded, showing her resilience and commitment to making a difference.
