BACKGROUND:
From the NY Times (1/7/25): “The House passed a bill on Tuesday that would target undocumented immigrants charged with nonviolent crimes for deportation, an opening salvo from a Republican majority that has vowed to deliver on President-elect Donald J. Trump’s promised crackdown at the border.
The measure, which drew the support of 48 Democrats as well as all Republicans, appears to be on a path to enactment, having garnered bipartisan backing in the Senate, which plans to take it up on Friday. It is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who was killed last year in Georgia by a migrant who had crossed into the United States illegally and was arrested and charged with shoplifting, but was not detained.”
From Indivisible: “These [48] Democrats fell for Republican manipulation and fear-mongering and voted YES on the Laken Riley Act. They took the bait and supported a bill that demonizes all immigrants, playing right into the hands of the MAGA anti-immigrant movement.”
Please note: Josh Riley-NY19 voted YES on this bill, Pat Ryan-NY18 voted NO.
Our Democrats must know that we are watching them and their voting record.
SCRIPT (Please feel free to personalize and make it your own):
Rep. Josh Riley-NY19: (202) 225-5441
Hello, I’m [name], and I’m a constituent from [zip code]. I’m calling to let Congressman Riley know that I’m outraged that they voted yes on H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act.
The bill exploits the tragic death of Laken Riley to sow widespread fear of immigrant communities. It’s bad policy that demonizes all immigrants and opens the door for more harmful and dangerous rhetoric about immigration. We know that Trump and his allies would use this new enforcement authority to criminalize and target immigrant communities so it’s disappointing that [Representative’s name] fell for their false narrative and voted for a bill that will harm these communities.
I expect the Congressman to stand up against anti-immigrant fear-mongering instead of going along with it, and to be bold on voting for our shared values instead of worrying about Republican tv ads next year. Thank you,
Rep Pat Ryan-NY18 (202-225-5614):
Hello, I’m [name], and I’m a constituent from [zip code]. I’m calling to let Congressman Ryan know that I appreciate his voting against H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act. I urge the Congressman to continue to stand up against anti-immigrant fear-mongering, and be bold on voting for our shared values instead of worrying about Republican tv ads next year. Thank you.
The bill may be voted on in the Senate on January 10th.
Senator Schumer: (202) 224-6542
Senator Gillibrand: (202) 224-4451
Hello, I’m a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______. I’m calling to urge Senator [Schumer/Gillibrand] to vote NO on S. 5, the Laken Riley Act.
The bill would impose mandatory indefinite incarceration on any undocumented person who has merely been accused of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting-related offenses, making it easier to criminalize and target all noncitizens. It’s bad policy that demonizes all immigrants and opens the door for more harmful and dangerous rhetoric about immigration. It will only serve to dehumanize and harm immigrant communities. We don’t have to guess what Trump and his allies would do with this new enforcement authority.
The Senator cannot allow Republicans to exploit the tragic death of Laken Riley in order to sow widespread fear and distrust of immigrant communities. That’s why it’s critical that they push back against this anti-immigrant fear-mongering and vote NO on S. 5.
Thank you for being ready to take action to keep our Democrats in Congress voting for our values. Please not only vote against this bill, but publicly oppose it. Thank you.
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