Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Releases Statement on Voting for S. 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Releases Statement on Voting for S. 5 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney released the following statement on voting for S. 5:

“I have heard from an overwhelming number of Marylanders in the 6th District concerned about our current, overburdened immigration system and our communities’ safety. S. 5, the Laken Riley Act, is not perfect–and in ways overarching–but I remain committed to working with my colleagues to clarify the ill-defined elements of this legislation and seek comprehensive, effective and humane immigration reform.

Laken Riley’s murder was shocking, heartbreaking, and to many, preventable. José Ibarra, who was eventually arrested for and convicted of her murder, was also arrested over a year prior by New York City police and charged with "acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17." The simple truth is that this tragedy should have never occurred and serves as a sobering reminder that comprehensive immigration reform in our country is decades overdue.

I remain deeply committed to passing bipartisan, comprehensive, and compassionate immigration reform, which is why I supported S. 4361 – the Border Act of 2024. This bipartisan bill would have strengthened border protection and provided critical relief to our overwhelmed asylum system, including delivering increased funding to hire more asylum judges to process claims and ensure migrants have a fair opportunity to seek safe haven and opportunity in America. Although this bill failed to advance last year, I am eager to support and work on similar bipartisan legislation should it be brought to the House Floor this Congress. 

As your Representative, I strongly believe Congress must do everything it can to ensure immigrants are treated with dignity and respect. I am dedicated to working with our Latino communities and other local and state stakeholders to protect Maryland jurisdictions’ right to establish sanctuary cities and counties and preserve DACA and DREAMers’ right to a path to citizenship. 

In addition, given President Trump’s recent Executive Orders and statements concerning proposed deportations, our office is working closely with local, state and federal partners to find ways to protect our most vulnerable constituents and engage with all impacted stakeholders.

Our country was founded on the fundamental principle that the circumstances of your birth do not dictate your future, and I am proud to serve in a country that has opened its doors to immigrants seeking better, safer lives. Moving forward, I promise to continue listening to my constituents across Maryland’s 6th District and representing them fully and thoughtfully.”

For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney. 

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.