A multitude of Republicans, led by presidential candidate Nikki Haley, are attributing the tragic death of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley to the policies of President Joe Biden.
The suspect, Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan migrant, has been apprehended under suspicion of Riley’s murder in Athens, Georgia. UGA Police Chief Jeffrey Clark disclosed on Friday that Ibarra is not a U.S. citizen, stating, “right now, I don’t know his full status.”
Republican Georgia Rep. Mike Collins, representing Athens, took to social media to hold Biden and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas accountable for Riley’s demise. Collins also pointed fingers at Athens’ sanctuary city status.
“The responsibility for Laken Riley’s tragic fate lies with Joe Biden, Alejandro Mayorkas, and the government of Athens-Clarke County,” Collins posted on social media. “The Venezuelan suspect in Laken Riley’s murder is one of the millions of illegal aliens released into this country by the Biden administration, welcomed with open arms by Democrat-run sanctuary jurisdictions. This individual had no right to be in America, let alone in the UGA community, where he brutally took the life of this young American while she was out for a run.”
Citing sources within the Department of Homeland Security, NewsNation reporter Ali Bradley reported that Ibarra entered the U.S. illegally in El Paso, Texas, in September 2022. Bradley mentioned he was “released due to lack of detention space,” although this information has not been officially confirmed.
On Fox News’ America Reports Saturday, presidential candidate Nikki Haley criticized Biden’s response to Riley’s death.
“I am utterly disgusted. My heart aches for this family. But beyond that, I am furious at Joe Biden for failing to prioritize this issue,” Haley expressed.
Haley also directed blame at Congress and her Republican presidential competitor, Trump.
Laken Riley's tragic death struck the hearts of Georgians everywhere and has sparked national outrage.
Joe Biden's failed policies have turned every state into a border state, and I'm demanding information from him so we can protect our people when the federal government won’t! pic.twitter.com/wsD4H6BSr6
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) February 24, 2024
“I am infuriated with Congress, who should not be on vacation this week but should be in session, doing whatever it takes to pass robust border legislation,” she stated. “I am angry with Donald Trump, who instructed Congress not to act until after the general election, solely for his own benefit.
“We cannot afford to delay any longer. Congress must convene, come to an agreement, and pass comprehensive immigration reform, and Donald Trump needs to stay out of the way.”
Riley’s body was discovered in a wooded area on the University of Georgia (UGA) campus last Thursday after a friend raised concerns when she didn’t return from her run. UGA Police Chief Jeffrey Clark announced on Friday that Ibarra faces charges of malice murder and felony murder, alongside six additional charges.
Riley’s tragic death has become a topic of political debate for both Republicans and Democrats.
Wisconsin Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden remarked on social media, “The blame for this young lady’s death falls squarely on Biden’s shoulders.”
Governor Brian Kemp also criticized the president’s immigration policies in response to Riley’s death.
“Laken Riley’s tragic passing has deeply affected Georgians and has rightfully ignited national indignation,” Kemp stated in a release. “As I have emphasized numerous times before: due to Joe Biden’s negligence, every state is now a border state, and today I am once again demanding transparency and information from the Biden Administration to help us safeguard our citizens when the federal government falls short.”
Biden has indicated his willingness to consider “significant changes” in border policy, urging Congress to support a bipartisan Senate agreement that pairs border enforcement with aid to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.
However, the GOP-controlled House rejected the bipartisan border security legislation passed by the Senate earlier this month, with conservative hardliners arguing that it does not adequately address illegal immigration into the U.S.
Democratic Georgia state senator Jason Esteves countered Republicans with a social media post, asserting, “Laken Riley’s family deserves the opportunity to mourn without being exploited for political gain. Those who raise concerns about border security should direct their grievances to [Donald] Trump, who recently persuaded Republicans in DC to shelve a bipartisan border security bill.”
