Laken Riley's Sister Optimistic Amid Hope Following Trump's Immigration Policy Changes: "Still a Lot to Be Done"
Laken Riley’s sister expresses hope amid changes in immigration policies under President Trump.

Laken Riley’s family is finding renewed optimism in the wake of her tragic death, expressing hope that recent immigration policy changes could help prevent similar tragedies in the future. Lauren Phillips, Riley’s younger sister, shared in a recent interview that she and her family feel encouraged by President Donald Trump’s current administration and its stance on border security. “We definitely feel hope – we just need to keep talking about it and keep everyone aware of what happens when nothing is done,” Phillips emphasized. She noted, however, that, “there is still a lot to be done.”
Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University, was brutally murdered while jogging in Athens, Georgia, in February 2024. Authorities have reported that the suspect was an undocumented immigrant who had previously been arrested in New York City. The case quickly became a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration and border policies, with Riley’s family now stepping forward as outspoken advocates for border security reform.
Phillips described her commitment to honoring her sister’s memory by speaking out and participating in new initiatives, including a feature in a recently launched documentary series by the American Border Story (TABS). This initiative aims to expose the personal impact of America’s border crisis through storytelling. “I really feel it’s important because it didn’t stop with Laken – it keeps happening,” she said, underscoring the ongoing risk faced by communities nationwide. “People aren’t realizing what’s truly being lost every single time something like this happens.”
The first documentary video in the TABS series highlights Riley’s story and the heartbreak endured by her loved ones. According to Nicole Kiprilov, executive director of TABS, the project is about more than remembrance – it calls for accountability and prioritizing the safety of American citizens. “Laken Riley’s story is not just a tragedy – it’s a wake-up call,” Kiprilov said. “This documentary is about demanding accountability, restoring safety and putting the American people first.”
In the video, Phillips shares personal memories of her sister, recalling Riley’s unwavering faith and the powerful bond they shared. “She wasn’t just my sibling – she was my best friend. Her presence brought so much comfort and strength and peace, and I carry a lot of what she taught me in my everyday life,” she reflected. Phillips stressed that “protecting the border should be common sense.”
Shortly after taking office, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law – marking his administration’s first legislative action. The measure directs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain any undocumented immigrants arrested or charged with theft-related crimes or assaulting police officers. Furthermore, it grants states the authority to sue the Department of Homeland Security if harm is caused to their residents due to illegal immigration. The legislation is seen by its supporters as a crucial step toward preventing further incidents such as Riley’s murder.
Despite these legislative changes, Phillips expressed lingering concerns about safety in Athens, Georgia, where her sister was killed. The city remains an unofficial sanctuary city, and, according to Phillips, local laws have yet to reflect the urgency of the situation. “The laws that were not put in place are still not put in place in a city where something so tragic happened,” she said. “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 her advocacy work, Phillips and her family have established the Laken Hope Foundation, aiming to honor Riley’s legacy and support others affected by similar tragedies. Phillips shared that her faith gives her comfort as she continues her efforts, stating, “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.”