United States President Donald Trump has signed an immigration detention measure into law.
Media Talk Africa reports that the House gave its final approval of the bill in a 263-156 vote on Wednesday, with 46 Democrats joining all Republicans in favour.
Trump opened his remarks with a victory lap, crediting his immigration agenda for his win in the election.
He also thanked the Republican and Democratic lawmakers who brought the bill to his desk.
“That’s why I’m here instead of somebody else. Actually, it’s the biggest reason,” Trump said in remarks in the East Wing of the White House.
He noted that the law is “going to save countless innocent American lives.”
Trump praised Riley as “a light of warmth and kindness,” thanking her parents and sister who attended the bill signing.
The president said the cause had brought together Democrats and Republicans.
“That’s not easy to do,” Trump said. “Laken did it. America will never ever forget Laken Hope Riley,” he stated.
Media Talk Africa reports that the Laken Riley Act bears the name of the nursing school student who was murdered last year in Athens, Georgia.
A Venezuelan citizen who entered the US illegally was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
