7th District Congressman Eric Burlison held a press conference in Springfield on Friday, April 10, following the tragic death of 15-year-old Miles Young.
Burlison says the American people are tired of watching preventable tragedies that stem from years of what he calls “unenforced laws.”
At the federal level, we’ve taken action, passing the Laken Riley Act, restoring enforcement, and funding the resources needed to protect our communities.
Now it’s time for local leaders to step up, work with ICE, and use tools like the 287(g) program.
“We’re here to talk about the dire public safety situation that we’re facing that continues to put Missouri families at risk,” Burlison said. “15-year old Miles Young from right here in Springfield is unfortunately not with us.
“The American people, especially here in SW MO are sick and tired of these tragedies could have been prevented. This is part of a pattern we have seen before. “
Burlison said the number of violent activities that have occurred is what led to the appeal he is making to state officials to collect data. He says only Texas is truly collecting information.
“Secondly, I am imploring our local law enforcement community, including on the county and city level, to do everything they can ….. to be helpful in these matters. This crisis was created by an open borders policy from the Biden, Kamala Harris and Alejandro Mayorkas administration.”
“They narrowed enforcement so ICE could only a tiny fraction of removable aliens. ICE officials were told to do nothing, which is unacceptable.
“Innocent Americans like Miles pay the price,” Burlison stated. He says he voted to impeach Majorkas and President Trump reversed the Biden-Harris framework on day one.”
Burlison cited numerous bills that have attempted to turn the tide.
“I have filed multiple amendments to the appropriation for FY-2025 bill to block work permits and shut down abusive parole programs for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans.”
According to investigators, 15-year-old Miles Young was allegedly lured to a location under the belief he was meeting someone, before being confronted by multiple individuals. Court documents indicate the incident was planned in advance, with suspects using more than one vehicle to track his movements.
Officials say the situation escalated when the teen attempted to flee. Witness accounts and charging documents describe that he was pursued and fatally shot. He was later transported to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Authorities have identified two primary suspects, Yefry Archaga and Praize King, both of whom are facing first-degree murder and related charges.
File photo. (AP Images)
Archaga is being held without bond and is also subject to a federal immigration hold.