Mullin Criticizes Democrats for Supporting Laken Riley Act: "They're Playing Politics"

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) on Wednesday accused Democrats who voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act of "playing politics," suggesting their support stemmed from political calculations rather than genuine policy agreement.

Speaking to NewsNation’s Blake Burman, Mullin rejected the idea that Democrats voting for the bill indicated a shift toward Republican views.

“I wouldn’t say that they’re moving our way,” Mullin said, pointing out that many of the Democrats who supported the bill represent states won by President Trump in the last election. “What you’re seeing is they’re playing politics with it.”

Mullin also referenced the killing of Laken Riley, after whom the bill is named, calling her death “a senseless act that could’ve been prevented.” He criticized Democratic leadership for delaying action on the issue. “It was foreseeable two years ago,” Mullin said.

“Miss Riley should be alive today, if they were serious about it. This bill was presented when Chuck Schumer had control of the Senate.”

The Laken Riley Act, which requires the detention of large numbers of migrants lacking legal status, passed both Congressional chambers this week with strong Republican backing.

However, it also garnered votes from several Democrats, including moderate House members like Reps. Jared Golden (D-Maine), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.). In the Senate, Democratic supporters included Sens. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.).

Mullin criticized the timing of Democratic support, attributing the delay to political considerations under President Joe Biden’s administration. “The policy’s right, but timing is more important on Capitol Hill than the policy,” he said. “Under Joe Biden’s administration, the timing was never gonna be right.”

Earlier this month, Sen. Ruben Gallego voiced strong support for the bill on social media. “Beyond voting yes on the Laken Riley Act, I’m cosponsoring the bill,” Gallego wrote on X.

“Arizonans know better than most the real consequences of today’s border crisis. We must give law enforcement the means to take action to prevent tragedies like what occurred to Laken Riley.”

Despite bipartisan support, Mullin’s remarks highlight lingering partisan tensions over immigration policy and the motivations driving legislative decisions.