President-elect Trump commented on the sentencing of the Venezuelan man convicted of murdering Georgia student Laken Riley earlier this year, describing the outcome as a victory for justice. Taking to Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump wrote, “JUSTICE FOR LAKEN RILEY! The Illegal who killed our beloved Laken Riley was just found GUILTY on all counts for his horrific crimes.”
According to The Associated Press, a Georgia judge convicted 26-year-old Jose Ibarra on all charges following a four-day trial. Ibarra faced multiple charges, including malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence, among others. The Venezuelan migrant received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Trump calls the sentencing of Laken Riley’s killer a victory for justice and a reminder of the need for stronger border security
Riley, a 22-year-old college student, was killed while jogging on the University of Georgia campus in February. Her death became a focal point during the election, with Republicans linking her murder to immigration policies under the Biden administration.
University of Georgia Police Chief Jeff Clark stated in the spring that Riley died from blunt force trauma and had no prior connection to Ibarra. The tragedy attracted widespread attention, drawing responses from Trump, who highlighted immigration reform, and President Biden, who offered condolences to Riley’s family.
In his post, Trump expressed hope that the sentencing would bring comfort to Riley’s loved ones. “We love you, Laken, and our hearts will always be with you,” he wrote, emphasizing the need for stronger border security to prevent similar tragedies.
On Monday, Trump reiterated plans to declare an immigration national emergency and use military resources to implement mass deportations once he assumes office again. While immigration advocates anticipate executive actions in his second term, uncertainty remains about the feasibility of deporting millions of migrants through such measures.
