Delaware GOP senators: We disagree with McBride's no vote on Laken Riley Act

With bipartisan support, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed House Resolution 29, dubbed the Laken Riley Act, on Tuesday. The U.S. Senate is slated to consider HR 29 on Friday.

The Delaware Senate’s Republican Caucus issued the following statement in response to the no vote from Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del.:

“The Delaware State Senate Republican Caucus expresses its strong disagreement with U.S. Representative Sarah McBride’s decision to vote against H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act. This legislation, named in memory of Laken Riley who was murdered by an individual who crossed our nation’s border illegally, aims to ensure that undocumented immigrants who are charged with and/or convicted of theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting, are detained by the Department of Homeland Security until they can be deported.

“We find it concerning that Representative McBride, or any elected official, would oppose this measure. This vote suggests a disregard for public safety, as the bill directly addresses the need to protect our communities from individuals who have shown they are willing to break our laws.

“We urge Representative McBride to reconsider, and to prioritize the safety and well-being of Delaware’s residents above all else. We also ask (our Democratic) Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester to join their colleagues and support this bipartisan measure when it is considered in the Senate.”

Minority Leader Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View

Minority Whip Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown

Sen. Dave Lawson, R-Marydel

Sen. Bryant Richardson, R-Seaford

Sen. Dave Wilson, R-Lincoln

Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Camden

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