Editor’s Note: a guest post by Joseph Richard.

Louisiana is under threat from criminals who have entered our country illegally. In 2021, it was estimated that Louisiana houses 97,000 illegal immigrants—although the number is likely far higher. To make matters worse, liberal politicians shield these people as they commit crimes, and the Biden administration prioritizes weak border policies over the well-being of American citizens. Thankfully, some members of Congress, like Louisiana’s own U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, are standing up to protect the rule of law.

The tragic murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley earlier this year is just one example of the types of violent crimes that illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds commit. This event provided an impetus for discussions among lawmakers regarding immigration, with many pointing to the fact that Biden’s border policies allow illegal immigrants to commit crimes unchecked. Changes are clearly needed to prevent further lawlessness.

The House of Representatives recently passed a bill named for the student that would require the detention of any migrant who commits crimes such as theft or burglary – as was the case with Jose Ibarra, Riley’s suspected killer. Senator Cassidy is now working to pass the Senate version of this crucial legislation, which would help protect all Americans from preventable crimes committed by illegal immigrants with previous offenses. In supporting this law, these members of Congress are pushing back on current policies that put a radical agenda above our safety.

Support of the Laken Riley Act is not the only action Senator Cassidy is taking to minimize the threats from illegal immigration. He is also leading an effort to protect Americans from the dangers posed by sanctuary cities. The recently-introduced Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act of 2024 would establish a private right of action for any individual or family member of any individual who is a victim of a felony that occurred at the hands of illegal immigrants in one of these spaces. These safe havens for criminals put public safety at risk and make everyday life more dangerous for Americans. However, this legislation would ensure Louisianans have a civil remedy if any harm is done by sanctuary jurisdiction policies.

Furthermore, Cassidy is also working on the Immigration Detainer Enforcement Act of 2024, which would grant the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to detain any individual arrested for a violation of any criminal law if they believe that individual to be an illegal immigrant who may be removable from the country. An impactful public safety policy, this process would help ensure dangerous criminals are unable to commit further offenses while residing illegally in our cities. This is yet another example of key action taken by Cassidy and fellow Republican lawmakers to protect Americans from criminal acts conducted by illegal immigrants.

The Biden administration’s misguided immigration policies are jeopardizing the health and safety of U.S. citizens. Senator Cassidy knows this and, thankfully, has worked hard to take massive steps toward protecting Louisianans and all Americans who have fallen victim to the consequences of the current administration’s actions. Conservatives in our state understand that a secure border is necessary for national security and prosperity. Our elected officials must act accordingly to prevent tragedies that will likely continue to occur if they refuse to secure our border.