Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is demanding more robust federal action addressing border security in the wake of University of Georgia student, Laken Riley’s murder. The 22-year-old nursing student’s body was discovered on campus last week, spurring controversy and rekindling national debates about immigration policy.
Kemp accused the Biden administration of being lackadaisical concerning the issue after the suspect, Jose Antonio Ibarra, was reportedly found in the country illegally. "These tragedies are not unique to Georgia," within a letter to President Joe Biden, Kemp implored for greater transparency regarding illegal border crossings, as WRDW reported. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that Ibarra, a Venezuela native, entered the U.S. unlawfully through Texas last September. Laken’s death has resonated with many, having been on the dean's list at Augusta University's College of Nursing campus in Athens.
The Governor’s recent appearance on "Fox & Friends" was follow by a public statement where he expressed his frustration with current immigration policies, which he believes allowed 26-year-old Ibarra and his brother, both non-U.S. citizens, to remain in the country despite committing crimes. Referencing the interview, Kemp elucidated his concerns, asserting "We now have, you know, millions of people, seven and a half, eight and a half, however many million people that have come into our country," as FOX5 Atlanta reported. "And then you have people like these two individuals that came into the country and they committed crimes and nobody was notified of those. And why were they not sent back? Why are we allowing people to come here that are not U.S. citizens and break our laws and then not send them back home? It’s so frustrating."
Kemp’s pointed comments come as state and federal officials grapple with border security and immigration enforcement. With nearly 30 troops already stationed and an additional 15 to 20 predicted to deploy to help build a command post, Kemp has been proactive in trying to bolster his state’s defense. Meanwhile, the Biden administration attributes the border challenges to House Republicans for stalling a bipartisan foreign aid bill, according to statements made by Democrats.
Last week saw the arrest of the suspect near UGA’s Lake Herrick, with charges awaiting on the gruesome crime of opportunity which law enforcement stated the suspect and victim did not know each other. The University community is mourning the loss with a vigil held at 3 p.m. Monday at Tate Plaza, and Laken’s visitation and funeral services slated for Friday at Woodstock City Church, as FOX5 Atlanta detailed.
