1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

In advance of the Laken Riley Act returning to the house, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Laken Riley Act and to urge you not to support this harmful legislation. While the loss of Laken Riley is a profound tragedy, this bill does not honor her memory in a way that promotes justice, safety, or equality. Instead, it risks endangering vulnerable members of our community and perpetuating systemic inequities. The bill’s provision for mandatory immigration detention based solely on accusations of nonviolent property crimes is deeply troubling. Such a policy would almost certainly invite abuses, disproportionately targeting people of color and marginalized communities who already face over-policing and higher incarceration rates. Families would be torn apart, communities destabilized, and taxpayer dollars wasted on detaining individuals accused of minor offenses—all without addressing genuine safety concerns. Rather than enhancing public safety, this legislation seeks to exploit fear and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about immigrants. It diverts resources from addressing the root causes of crime and undermines the principles of justice and due process that are foundational to our democracy. Additionally, the bill’s provision empowering states to challenge federal immigration decisions poses significant constitutional risks. It threatens to weaken the judiciary by flooding courts with lawsuits, undermining their ability to provide fair and timely resolutions. This is not a pathway to justice; it is a step backward. I urge you to reject the Laken Riley Act and instead advocate for policies that strengthen our communities, uphold civil rights, and ensure fair and equitable treatment for all people, regardless of their background. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I hope I can count on you to stand against this harmful legislation and work toward solutions that truly promote justice and safety for everyone.