DHS Reports Over 17,500 Criminal Aliens Arrested Under Laken Riley Act

By Jim Mishler | Wednesday, 24 December 2025 04:20 PM EST

The Department of Homeland Security says more than 17,500 criminal illegal aliens have been arrested and detained nationwide under enforcement of the Laken Riley Act, a law that mandates federal detention of noncitizens accused or convicted of specified crimes.

DHS stated that the arrests focused on illegal aliens charged with or convicted of offenses including theft, burglary, assault on law enforcement officers, and crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

The Laken Riley Act was the first piece of legislation signed by President Donald Trump during his current term. It is named after Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was murdered by a Venezuelan illegal alien later identified as a member of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang.

According to DHS, the suspect had been arrested and released into the United States, then arrested again and released during the administration of President Joe Biden before killing Riley.

Earlier this week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the conclusion of Operation Angel’s Honor, a 14-day nationwide enforcement effort launched in Riley’s name. DHS reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested 1,030 criminal illegal aliens during the operation.

“In honor of Laken Riley, ICE launched Operation Angel’s Honor, arresting more than 1,000 criminal illegal aliens under the authority of the Laken Riley Act in the last two weeks,” Noem said. She added that the administration is prioritizing arrests and removals of violent offenders and those accused of serious crimes.

The law also includes a provision allowing states to sue the federal government over certain immigration enforcement decisions or alleged failures. States may seek injunctive relief if they can demonstrate harm, including financial damage exceeding $100, tied to actions such as releasing a noncitizen from custody, failing to inspect individuals seeking admission, improperly granting immigration parole, or failing to detain those ordered removed.