Laken Riley's Family Expresses Hope Amid Trump Immigration Policy Changes: 'Still a Lot to Be Done'

Laken Riley’s family is expressing renewed hope for the nation’s future following recent changes in U.S. immigration policy under President Donald Trump. In an exclusive interview, Riley’s sister, Lauren Phillips, spoke about her family’s resolve to honor Laken’s memory by continuing their advocacy for tighter border security while recognizing the progress made to date.

Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University, tragically lost her life in February 2024 after being assaulted and murdered by an undocumented migrant during a morning run. The incident sent shockwaves through her community and has since become a symbol in the ongoing debate over border security and immigration reform.

Lauren Phillips said that she will continue to speak out in remembrance of her sister, emphasizing the need to remind Americans “of the importance of securing our borders and what can happen when it’s not secure.” She noted a sense of optimism: “We definitely feel hope – we just need to keep talking about it and keep everyone aware of what happens when nothing is done. And I think a lot has been done so far, and I am grateful for that, but there is still a lot to be done.”

Phillips believes that maintaining the current course set by the new administration “will be very beneficial to our country.” Her remarks coincided with the launch of a national initiative, American Border Story (TABS), which featured Phillips in its first video aimed at exposing the human impact of America’s border crisis.

“I really feel it’s important because it didn’t stop with Laken – it keeps happening,” Phillips said. “Just telling what’s happening to all of these people isn’t enough. People aren’t realizing what’s truly being lost every single time something like this happens.” TABS executive director Nicole Kiprilov echoed this sentiment, calling Laken Riley’s story “not just a tragedy – it’s a wake-up call.”

The video, which marks the start of a series intended to reveal “truth the media and politicians too often ignore,” features Phillips discussing her sister’s character, their bond, and Riley’s faith. She argued that border protection “should be common sense,” describing Laken as a source of comfort, strength, and peace for those around her. “She had a light that is so impossible to ignore,” Phillips added.

President Trump recently signed the Laken Riley Act into law, making it the first legislative victory of his new term. The measure requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants arrested or charged with theft-related crimes or those accused of assaulting police officers. It also provides states the right to sue the Department of Homeland Security if their citizens are harmed due to illegal immigration.

Despite these legislative steps, Phillips admitted there remains a sense of unease in Athens, the city near the University of Georgia campus where her sister was killed. “It is terrifying to have to walk around the same city where such a tragic thing happened to my sister,” she shared, lamenting the lack of local policy changes. “The laws that were not put in place are still not put in place in a city where something so tragic happened. I thought what happened to Laken would change that, but nothing has changed there, so I think continuing to talk about it, not backing down, not staying quiet, hopefully, will do something.”

In addition to their continued advocacy for immigration reform, Phillips and her family have launched the Laken Hope Foundation in honor of Laken’s legacy. “I thank God every day that I have the space to share, and that he gave me Laken for the time that he did, and I thank him for her faith and his faithfulness to know that none of this compares to what we’re going to be given and where she is,” Phillips reflected.

The Riley family’s commitment to turning personal tragedy into public purpose stands as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching effects of national policy and the enduring power of remembrance.