At the Republican National Convention (RNC) in July, immigration emerged as one of the primary themes on which Republicans focused. Several times that week, Republicans brought up the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. Former President Trump mentioned Laken Riley’s death in his acceptance speech for the presidential nomination. Trump outlined how crime, particularly due to illegal immigration, increased around the country and linked the increases to the Biden administration. He mentioned countless women slain by illegal immigrants during Biden’s tenure in the White House. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) mentioned Laken Riley earlier this week.
President Trump spoke about his meeting with Laken Riley’s family earlier this year, following her death. “Yet another American life was taken by a criminal alien released by this administration. Tonight, America, I make a commitment. I will not allow these killers and criminals into our country,” he said in his acceptance speech.
The Republican National Committee issued its new platform ahead of the RNC, and immigration is one of its top five policy concerns. The RNC website stated: “Republicans will secure the border, deport Illegal aliens, and reverse the Democrats’ Open Borders Policies that have driven up the cost of housing, education, and healthcare for American families.”
Riley was viciously murdered on February 22 while running along a popular trail near Lake Herrick and the University of Georgia intramural facilities. Her death marked the first murder on the University of Georgia campus in 30 years.
The following day, authorities seized 26-year-old Venezuelan Jose Antonio Ibarra, who was found to be an undocumented immigrant. In May, investigators charged Ibarra with ten counts of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping, and interference with a 911 call. Ibarra filed a not guilty plea.
In the weeks and months following Riley’s death, the subject has become a heated topic in discussions about immigration and the United States-Mexico border.
