Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here.
The U. S. House of Representatives’ recent passage of H.R. 4371, the Kayla Hamilton Act, on Dec. 16, with bipartisan support, is a vital step toward preventing heartbreaking tragedies. Kayla Hamilton, a vibrant 20-year-old with autism, was brutally raped and murdered in 2022 by an MS-13 gang member — an unaccompanied alien minor released to a sponsor without proper vetting. This preventable horror exposes deadly flaws in our system, endangering innocent Americans and vulnerable children alike.
The bill mandates rigorous background checks on sponsors and household adults, including criminal history, gang affiliations and immigration status, to ensure safe placements. Democrats and Republicans in the House united, proving that protecting lives transcends politics. Now, the Senate must act swiftly — delays cost lives.
I implore readers to contact their senators: Demand passage of this commonsense reform to honor Kayla and safeguard our communities. Justice and safety demand it.
Sincerely,
Mike Lelieur
Santa Cruz