Atlanta, Georgia – Following University of Georgia Police Chief Jeffrey Clark’s briefing on Friday revealing that the suspect in Laken Riley’s murder was not a U.S. citizen, Georgia politicians were swift to criticize federal immigration policies for contributing to her tragic death.
Georgia Representative Mike Collins of Athens strongly denounced President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, holding them accountable for Riley’s murder. Collins emphasized that the Venezuelan suspect, Jose Antonio Ibarra, should not have been in the country and specifically pointed fingers at the Biden administration’s release of millions of illegal aliens into the U.S., which he believes led to the heinous crime.
Blaming border policies and federal immigration directives, politicians echoed concerns about Riley’s murder being a crime of opportunity, with both the victim and the suspect having no prior connection. Georgia Senator President Pro Tem John Kennedy criticized Athens’ sanctuary city status, arguing that such policies put political agendas above public safety and endanger residents.
Governor Brian Kemp joined the chorus of voices condemning the president’s immigration policies, stating that Riley’s death had deeply affected Georgians and highlighting the need for answers and information from the Biden Administration to ensure citizens’ safety in the face of federal inaction.
On a national level, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana urged the president to take immediate action to close the border, emphasizing the urgency of addressing immigration challenges. In contrast, Democrats in the General Assembly called for respecting the grieving process of Riley’s family and cautioned against exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
Recent developments revealed that both Jose and Diego Ibarra were in the U.S. as undocumented immigrants. Diego Ibarra, a Venezuelan citizen, had been processed for expedited removal but was released pending an asylum claim adjudication. He was later arrested for presenting a fake permanent resident card to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
Overall, the tragic death of Laken Riley has reignited debates on immigration policies, border security, and the need for comprehensive reforms to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.