Georgia Mountain News

Georgia State Representative Will Wade expressed that Laken Riley will never be forgotten and emphasized the importance of standing up to evil. He offered prayers to her family, describing her loss as "horrific" and "preventable." Wade made these remarks in a post on X on January 7, 2025.

"We will never forget and we must always stand up to evil," said Rep. Will Wade. "? to the family of this amazing Georgian whose life was taken in a most horrific & preventable manner."

Wade was responding to a post by Georgia State Representative Houston Gaines regarding the Laken Riley Act. He said that the act would help keep "Americans safe" and prevent incidents similar to what happened to Laken Riley. Wade noted that "159 Democrats voted against" the bill but acknowledged its "bipartisan support," expressing hope for unanimous Senate approval.

Rep. Will Wade's post | X

According to the Associated Press, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act on January 29, 2024. The law, named after a Georgia nursing student killed in 2024, mandates the detention of unauthorized immigrants accused of crimes such as theft or violence. It also permits state attorneys general to sue the federal government if immigration enforcement decisions negatively impact states. The bill was introduced following the death of Laken Riley, allegedly at the hands of Jose Antonio Ibarra, who had been released after being arrested for illegal entry into the U.S. in 2022.

The legislation requires federal officials to detain individuals arrested for violent or criminal offenses, preventing them from moving freely within the U.S. While it received support from both Republicans and some Democrats, 159 Democrats opposed it, according to the Associated Press report.

Wade has an extensive background in education administration, having served as Chairman of the Dawson County Board of Education for 15 years. Under his leadership, Dawson County became one of Georgia's pioneering system-wide charter school systems. In his initial term at the Georgia State House, Wade advocated for school choice legislation, law enforcement pay raises, tax reductions, and anti-human trafficking initiatives. He represents Georgia’s 9th State House District with a focus on education and public safety.