Laken Riley’s Sister Finds Hope in Trump’s Immigration Reforms Amid Border Security Push
Sarah Johnson
June 5, 2025
Brief
Laken Riley’s sister expresses hope over Trump’s immigration reforms, advocating for border security after the tragic murder of the nursing student.
In a heartfelt exclusive, Lauren Phillips, sister of the late Laken Riley, shared a renewed sense of hope sparked by President Donald Trump’s recent immigration reforms. Laken, a 22-year-old nursing student, was tragically murdered by an illegal migrant during a morning run in February 2024 near the University of Georgia campus in Athens. Her death has since become a poignant symbol of the urgent need for tighter border security.
Phillips passionately emphasized the importance of continuing to advocate for secure borders, stating that while significant steps have been taken by the new administration, there remains much to be done. 'We need to keep this conversation alive, to remind everyone of the devastating consequences when our borders are not secure,' she said. She believes the current direction under Trump’s policies could prove highly beneficial for the nation’s safety.
Adding to her advocacy, Phillips recently appeared in the first video of the American Border Story (TABS) initiative, which aims to highlight the human toll of the border crisis. 'This isn’t just about Laken—it’s happening to so many others. We need to show the real loss behind each tragedy,' she noted. The TABS project, described as a wake-up call by its executive director Nicole Kiprilov, seeks to demand accountability and prioritize American safety.
On a legislative front, President Trump recently signed the Laken Riley Act into law as his first act of the new administration. This measure mandates the detention of illegal immigrants charged with theft or assault on law enforcement by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and empowers states to seek legal recourse against the Department of Homeland Security for damages caused by illegal immigration.
Despite these changes, Phillips admitted to feeling a lingering fear walking the streets of Athens, a city she describes as still lacking the necessary protective laws. 'It’s terrifying that even after such a tragedy, nothing has changed here,' she said, underscoring her determination to keep speaking out.
Reflecting on her sister’s memory, Phillips described Laken as a source of comfort and light, a best friend whose presence continues to inspire her daily. The family has also established the Laken Hope Foundation to honor her legacy and faith, finding solace in their belief in a greater purpose beyond this loss.
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Editor's Comments
Well, folks, if borders were as open as some politicians’ promises, we’d all be living in a global neighborhood barbecue by now—except not everyone’s bringing potato salad, some are bringing trouble. Lauren Phillips’ courage to speak out reminds us that behind every policy debate, there’s a human story, often a heartbreaking one. And speaking of Athens, Georgia, if it’s a sanctuary city, it seems to be offering sanctuary to the wrong crowd. How about we secure the borders tighter than a jar of pickles at a picnic? Let’s hope the Laken Riley Act isn’t just a signature on paper but a real shield for our communities.
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