UGA campus death: Gov. Kemp wants answers about murder suspect's immigration status

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JOSE ANTONIO IBARRA

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is demanding answers from the White House following the tragic killing of a 22-year-old nursing student, Laken Hope Riley, on Thursday at the University of Georgia in Athens. The alleged perpetrator, 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra from Venezuela, was arrested for her murder near Lake Herrick on UGA's campus during a morning run.

During a press conference on Friday night, UGA Police Chief Jeff Clark disclosed that Ibarra is not a U.S. citizen. Furthermore, Ibarra's older brother, Diego Ibarra, aged 29, was arrested for possessing a fraudulent U.S. permanent resident card, commonly known as a green card.

DIEGO JOSE IBARRA

Despite this information, the United States Attorney's Office, Middle District of Georgia, stated on Saturday morning that they lack details about Jose Ibarra's immigration status. Media reports, including from FOX News, claim Jose Ibarra illegally crossed into El Paso, Texas, in September 2022, although ICE has reportedly not officially commented on the matter.

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Expressing concern, Gov. Kemp addressed a letter to the President on Saturday morning, seeking clarification. In the letter, Kemp questions why his administration was not informed about the situation involving the murder suspect's brother, who was arrested for possessing a fraudulent U.S. permanent resident card, commonly known as a green card. He also seeks information on Jose Ibarra's current immigration status and underscores the urgency of receiving these details promptly.

Gov. Kemp emphasized the reliance on unofficial sources and leaks to media outlets for information about Jose Ibarra. He asserted that answers to these fundamental questions must be provided publicly as soon as possible to ensure that state and local officials have the necessary information to safeguard communities.

On social media, several prominent Republicans in Georgia, including Rep. Mike Collins and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, are placing blame on what they perceive as President Biden's lenient immigration policies. They have expressed their concerns and criticisms through statements on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Similarly, Speaker of the House Jon Burns placed the blame for the tragedy on the immigration system in the U.S., releasing the following statement:

"We continue to mourn Laken Riley’s tragic death, and lift up her family in our prayers. A precious young lady with a bright future appears to have lost her life because of the failures of so many to secure our border and end the mass influx of illegal immigrants.

"Let me be clear—this tragedy was created by the inaction of politicians to fix our broken immigration system, and it has been exacerbated over the past three years by an administration that has refused to secure our southern border.

"But there are certainly also questions surrounding the administration of justice at the local level, and House leadership will be pressing for answers over the coming days as to why exactly the suspect and his brother continued to roam freely in the Athens area.

"This tragedy is as lamentable as it is maddening - and while our state continues to mourn Laken’s loss, over the coming days, the Georgia House will be looking at ways to strengthen the security of our state, enhance public safety, and act where the federal government has failed to do so. At every step, we will be guided by the facts, do what’s right for the people of Georgia, and work to deliver justice to a family whose light was taken far too soon."

Sen. Jason Esteves (D-Dist. 6) expressed disappointment in his fellow lawmakers for turning Riley's death political, and suggested the blame should instead be placed on former President Donald Trump.

"Laken Riley’s family deserves space to grieve without being used for cheap political points. Those who bring up border security should take that up with Trump, who recently whipped Republicans in DC into shelving a bipartisan border security bill. #gapol," he said on X.

Jose Ibarra made his first appearance in front of a judge in Clarke County on Saturday morning. He was denied bond. Ibarra was not seen on camera because his lawyer requested that he not be shown because they did not want him to be seen in jail clothing. The judge granted the request.

It is not known when Diego Ibarra will face a judge.