Laken Riley’s name should never have been etched into the public’s consciousness. Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, was brutally murdered in Athens, Georgia, by an illegal immigrant in February. The story gained international attention, and her tragic story became a grim symbol of the consequences of Joe Biden’s failed border policies.
This week, José Ibarra, a Venezuelan illegal immigrant and a known member of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, was found guilty of Riley’s brutal murder. The evidence against Ibarra was overwhelming—he was convicted on all 10 counts, including felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault with intent to rape, and kidnapping. This tragedy was preventable, and I can’t help thinking that not all responsible parties have been held accountable.
Ibarra crossed the southern border illegally in 2022, entering through El Paso, Texas. He was briefly apprehended but released with a distant court date, consistent with Biden’s lenient border enforcement. Instead of ensuring dangerous individuals like Ibarra are detained, the administration has adopted a “catch and release” policy, effectively welcoming illegal immigrants without adequate vetting. Ibarra was even bused to New York. And U.S. taxpayers paid for it.
This policy failure didn’t stop there. After committing a minor crime in New York, Ibarra was arrested but released yet again. He and his roommate later relocated to Georgia, once again, on the taxpayers’ dime.
Ultimately, Ibarra was lurking on the University of Georgia campus when he attacked Riley, attempting to rape her before brutally killing her with a rock. According to recent reports, she fought for her life for roughly 18 minutes.
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Riley’s murder is not just a reflection of Ibarra’s depravity; it’s an indictment of Biden’s policies. An illegal immigrant and known gang member didn’t just slip through the cracks of a broken system. And that's beyond tragic.
By failing to secure the border, enforce immigration laws, and prioritize the safety of American citizens, Biden’s policies welcomed Riley’s killer into the country, enabling him to remain free and eventually kill Riley.
José Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, ensuring he can never harm anyone again. Yet, this outcome provides little solace to Riley’s grieving family and the countless Americans who feel unsafe because of Biden’s border agenda. Thankfully, Americans decided they'd had enough and voted to bring Donald Trump back into the White House to make sure that we're no longer importing criminals and predators into this country.
Related: Reactions to Justice for Laken Riley
Justice may have been served in the courtroom, but it bothers me that Joe Biden won't be held accountable for the policies that enabled this heinous crime. If complicity is a standard in criminal law, then Biden’s open-border policies make him an accessory to the countless crimes committed by illegal immigrants who should never have been here in the first place. He's damn lucky to have presidential immunity.
