The Venezuelan migrant accused of murdering 22-year-old Georgia nursing student Laken Riley last month “might not have been here” had the border been secured, her father said Monday.
Speaking publicly for the first time since his daughter’s death, Jason Riley was asked during an interview with NBC’s “Today” whether he thinks a stronger immigration policy would have made a difference after his daughter’s slaying ignited a debate about the current border crisis plaguing the Biden administration.
“We have no idea if that would have changed anything, but he’s here illegally,” Jason Riley said. “That he might not have been here had we had secure borders.”
Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan illegal immigrant charged with Riley’s murder, entered the United States through El Paso, Texas, in 2022 and was freed on border parole. He initially lived in New York City, where he was arrested for endangering a child prior to his move to Athens, Georgia.
Ibarra is charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call and concealing the death of another in connection to Riley’s murder.
Ibarra lived with his two brothers in an apartment complex near the University of Georgia campus, which is about a five-minute walk from the approximate scene, where he allegedly killed the 22-year-old. The murder suspect’s two brothers, Diego Ibarra, 29, and Argenis Ibarra, 24, had also entered the country illegally.
Riley, a nursing student from Augusta University, was found dead on the UGA campus on Feb. 22, after her roommate reported to authorities that she had not returned home from her morning run.
Earlier this month, Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, slammed President Biden as “pathetic” for saying her daughter’s name incorrectly during his State of the Union speech. The president had seemed to refer to the 22-year-old as “Lincoln” rather than “Laken” in his speech.
“Lincoln Riley, an innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal. That’s right. But how many thousands of people are being killed by legals?” the president said in an off-script moment prompted by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., shouting at Biden, “Say her name!” while he was discussing the border crisis.
Her father told the outlet that he feels his daughter is “being used somewhat politically.”
“It makes me angry,” Jason Riley said. “She was much better than that. She should be raised up for the person that she is.”
Laken Rileys’ Dad needs to do one thing, and one thing only: Ferret out Biden and PUT A BULLET IN HIS HEAD – DONE!
I would sue Biden for opening our borders and letting these thugs into our country. He is evil. My prayers go out to the family, it is going to be so hard to get through this. Keep these damn people from coming in over our open borders. Bunch of sick Politicians. These Democrats are evil.
Does anyone believe that Joe and family are getting kickback from the cartel for opening the border?
So, so sad! The Democrat and RINO (Closeted Democrats) Party Open Borders Policy of the Biden Administration is America’s Enemy within! In Tucson, AZ, my family and I have witnessed that it has gotten so dangerous to shop at stores because of the stealing by illegal gangs. Please Vote for MAGA Candidates in the 2024 Elections! Thank you, a message from a Republican Precinct Committeeman