Laken Riley’s killing has gripped the nation as the border crisis continues. (Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images)
"Unfortunately, the entire country has seen the news of the tragic and avoidable murder of Laken Riley. In broad daylight, Jose Ibarra is alleged to have brutally attacked and killed Riley while she was on a morning run. Reports show Riley’s skull was beaten so violently with an unidentified object that her skull was disfigured," the attorneys general wrote.
"Riley’s death could have been prevented on multiple fronts, but the system failed her," the prosecutors wrote, adding that H.R. 7511 is "a strong bill that can act as another arrow in the quiver when it comes to combatting illegal immigration and protecting Americans."
In addition to Florida and South Carolina, attorneys general in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Utah and West Virginia all signed the letter.
The House of Representatives last week passed the Laken Riley Act, which would require federal immigration authorities to detain illegal immigrants charged with local theft or burglary, after Ibarra, who was accused of similar offenses, was arrested for Riley's murder.
LAKEN RILEY’S MOTHER SPEAKS OUT ABOUT ‘AVOIDABLE TRAGEDY’ AFTER DAUGHTER’S FUNERAL
A red, black and white bow is among scores of memorials attached to trees, Feb. 29, 2024, in preparation for the funeral at Woodstock City Church for nursing student Laken Riley. (Robin Rayne for Fox News Digtial)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In addition to requiring ICE to issue a detainer for illegal aliens charged with theft or burglary, the bill will also allow individual states to take action against the federal government "if an immigration related action harms the state or its citizens."
On Wednesday, two Senate Republicans introduced the Senate version of the bill as a companion to H.R. 7511.
Fox News' Kyle Morris, Greg Norman, Aubrie Spady, Thomas Phippen, and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.
Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.
Subscribed
You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/more-than-25-state-attorneys-general-urge-senate-pass-laken-riley-act