Laken Riley's Sister Shares Family’s Hope Amid Trump Immigration Policy Changes: Ongoing Challenges Remain

Laken Riley’s family has expressed renewed optimism regarding the nation’s immigration policies, emphasizing that recent changes under President Donald Trump provide them with “hope” for a safer future. In an exclusive interview, Riley’s sister, Lauren Phillips, discussed how her family is drawing strength from the policy shifts, even as they continue to mourn the devastating loss of Laken, a 22-year-old nursing student who was killed during a morning run in February 2024. The accused, an illegal migrant with a prior arrest record, brought national attention to the ongoing debate over border security and immigration enforcement.

“I think it’s important that we keep reminding people of the importance of securing our borders and what can happen when it’s not secure,” Phillips stated. She further noted that progress has been made, but cautioned that there is still much work to be done to prevent further tragedies. “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.” She voiced her belief that the current policy trajectory “will be very beneficial to our country.”

Phillips was recently featured in the first video released by the American Border Story (TABS), a national initiative seeking to highlight personal stories affected by America’s border crisis. “I really feel it’s important because it didn’t stop with Laken – it keeps happening,” she explained, stressing that merely reporting such events is not enough. “People aren’t realizing what’s truly being lost every single time something like this happens.” TABS aims to bring what its organizers describe as “the truth to light” and push for accountability and safety for American families.

Remembrance of Laken and advocacy for stronger border policies remain central to Phillips’ mission. She described her sister as a source of comfort, strength, and peace for those around her. “She was my best friend,” Phillips said emotionally. “She had a light that is so impossible to ignore.”

The legislative response to Riley’s murder was swift: President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law within days of taking office. This new measure directs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants who are arrested or charged with certain crimes, including theft and assaults on police officers. The act also empowers states to sue the Department of Homeland Security if their citizens are harmed due to illegal immigration. Supporters argue that the legislation represents a significant step toward restoring public safety and accountability.

Despite these advances at the federal level, Phillips indicated deep concern regarding local enforcement. Athens, where the murder took place near the University of Georgia campus, is considered an unofficial sanctuary city. “The laws that were not put in place are still not put in place in a city where something so tragic happened,” she lamented. “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.”

Outside of legislative and media efforts, the Riley family has established the Laken Hope Foundation, honoring Laken’s memory and faith. “I thank God every day that I have the space to share, and that he gave me Laken for the time that he did,” Phillips reflected. As the family moves forward advocating for change and remembrance, they hope their efforts will help ensure that no other family must endure such loss.