Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (February 28, 2024) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), has released a letter, signed by the Georgia Republican Congressional Delegation, to President Joe Biden demanding the administration immediately implement stronger immigration policies in the wake of Laken Riley’s murder. 

Laken Hope Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Woodstock, Georgia was brutally murdered by illegal immigrant and Venezuelan national Jose Antonio Ibarra while jogging on the University of Georgia campus on February 22, 2024. Our prayers are with Laken’s family and friends as they navigate this tremendously difficult time. 

Mr. Ibarra entered the United States illegally in 2022 and was released due to an intentional lack of detention space. He was previously charged in New York City with “acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17,” but the Biden Administration failed to detain him before he murdered Laken. Today, Mr. Ibarra is charged with multiple counts, including a count of malice murder.

Additionally, Diego Ibarra, Jose Ibarra’s 29-year-old brother, reportedly entered the country twice, violently assaulting a border patrol agent during one of those instances. After being placed on expedited removal, Diego was reportedly released on parole. He was arrested three times in Georgia with no Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer being applied. 

In their letter, the lawmakers take President Biden to task for his immigration policy failures, urge critical support for H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, and respond to the questions posed in Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s letter stating: “Your inaction to resolve the unprecedented humanitarian and national security crises at the U.S. Southern border has directly led to her tragic death. Your disastrous border policies have turned every community into a border community and destroyed countless American families like Laken’s.”

“You should not wait until your State of the Union address on March 7, 2024, to announce changes to immigration policy. The proliferation of deadly fentanyl, the increased threat of human trafficking by drug cartels, and the impacts illegal immigration has had on our nation’s cities – all must be immediately addressed,” the lawmakers added. 

“Laken Riley’s brutal murder has devastated our community, sending shockwaves across our state and the nation,” said Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11). “President Biden’s willful and deliberate refusal to enforce our immigration laws has resulted in unprecedented humanitarian and national security crises at our southern border. His unwillingness to act directly led to Laken’s tragic death. As our community continues to mourn, ensuring justice for Laken starts with the Senate passing H.R. 2 to secure the southern border and restore law and order.”

“The death of Laken Riley has shaken us to our core here in Georgia and we stand united in our call for change. She should still be here with us today,” said Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-01). “Joe Biden and the Radical Left’s open border policies are harming Americans in every state, city, and town. Biden has the power to end this crisis today yet refuses to do so. Now it is more important than ever for the Senate to pass H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, that was passed out of the House and is the best piece of legislation to address this crisis and save American lives.”

“In Biden’s first 100 days as president, he issued more than 90 executive actions on immigration, hampering the ability of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to properly address illegal border crossings – which has caused total chaos for over three years with unprecedented numbers of illegal migrants entering our country,” said Rep. Drew Ferguson (GA-03). “This Administration’s asinine open border policies continue to bring serious national security implications to every community across Georgia – and our nation. It’s indefensible for Biden to continue turning a blind eye to this crisis. The American people deserve answers.”

“Our hearts are broken for the loss of the precious life of Laken Riley. She was a remarkable young lady and is gone far too soon. If you wonder why House Republicans opposed Biden's open border bill earlier this month, it is because Democrats would have allowed 5000 Jose Antonio Ibarras' into the US every day,” said Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-06). 

“President Biden’s border policies have caused a national security crisis in our backyard, and it is far past time for him to secure the border and prioritize the safety of Americans,” said Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08). 

“Laken Riley’s blood is ultimately on President Biden’s hands. Since day one, the Biden Administration has willfully violated the law and deliberately pursued policies that incentivize illegal immigration. Until our border is secure and every illegal alien residing in our communities is deported, we can only expect avoidable tragedies to continue devastating our nation. President Biden must put the American people first by abandoning his dangerous immigration policies and securing the southern border,” said Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA-09). 

"Had our border been secure and Athens-Clarke County not been a sanctuary jurisdiction, one of only three in Georgia, this tragedy would not have occurred. President Biden has the authority right now to shut down the border, keep asylum seekers in Mexico, and ensure the safety of Americans across the country," said Rep. Mike Collins (GA-10).

“President Biden’s complete disregard for the law and blatant refusal to secure the border undoubtedly led to the unfathomable death of Laken Riley. The administration must recognize its failures and immediately reverse course. This tragedy was avoidable, and we need a Commander-in-Chief that has the fortitude and backbone to take action. We as the Georgia delegation are praying for Laken’s family and loved ones and demand President Biden use his presidential authority to secure our border and ensure an incident such as this cannot occur in the United States again,” said Rep. Rick Allen (GA-12). 

“Laken Riley’s murder could have been prevented if our border was secure and illegal aliens weren’t flooding into our country. Joe Biden, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and the rest of the Biden administration have blood on their hands. It’s past time to act,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14).

The full letter can be read here.

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