To the Editor:

The recent passage of the Laken Riley Act in the House chamber of Congress had the support of 54 cosponsors, seven of whom were from Georgia – – the state where Laken Riley was murdered by an illegal immigrant who, in addition to entering the country unlawfully, had been previously charged with crimes in New York. Jose Ibarra lived near the scene of the heinous crime with two brothers, both of whom are also the subjects of criminal prosecutions and believed to have connections to the Tren de Aragua gang from their home country of Venezuela. The bill was introduced by Georgia Representative Mike Collins.

In addition to the 216 Republicans who voted in favor of the bill, 48 Democrats stood up for the legislation that will require the Department of Homeland Security to detain illegal immigrants who have committed additional crimes in our country and to allow states to hold the Federal Government accountable when they don’t detain such criminals and their citizens are harmed.

Notably absent from the supporting votes was entrenched Representative Sanford Bishop, who has no interest in constituent matters.

Lucy McBath was the lone Georgia Democrat in the House who agreed with the majority that protecting Americans from criminal immigrants is a valid cause. Bishop was in good company with other Georgia holdouts, Nikema Williams, David Scott and Hank Johnson. For whatever reasons, they, too, are unwilling to get to work this term and craft legislation the majority of their constituents favor. Let’s remember in 2026 who understands (and who doesn’t) that their election was to do a job, not just hold a title.

Is it true that the Laken Riley Act needs additional language, and alteration to some of its provisions? Probably. We can ask Senate Democrat Jacky Rosen from Nevada, who plans to support the elevation of the Bill to allow for debate and amendment. For those of us who don’t spend our days making the “sausage” of legislation, this is how it’s done by the members of Congress who actually work for their lucrative pay and benefits.

Along with at least ten other Senate Democrats, including Jon Ossoff of Georgia, Rosen will be working with the other side of the aisle to get this Act made into law.

Why? “Because, if you’re a criminal, you should be held accountable.” said Ms. Rosen.

Let’s see if her Georgia counterpart, Raphael Warnock, steps up as well. We know Sanford Bishop won’t be rolling up his sleeves. And I won’t be voting for his re-election, either.

Catherine Ledyard

Thomasville, GA