Graham on Guilty Verdict for Laken Riley's Murderer

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released a statement on Jose Ibarra being found guilty of murdering Laken Riley.

"The court has spoken. Jose Ibarra has been found guilty of brutally murdering Laken Riley. The evidence is overwhelming. This case should be a reminder to all Americans how irresponsible the Biden Administration has been when it comes to illegal immigration. Ibarra was in U.S. custody for being an illegal immigrant. However, he was paroled into the U.S. and set free - not for an urgent humanitarian reason or because he provided a significant public benefit to our country, but simply because there was no space to keep him detained.

"His release violated the parole statute and set in motion the death of Laken Riley. The system created by President Biden and his team has been a lethal disaster for the American people, from the emergence of criminal gangs and the rise in suspected terrorists coming across our border to the rape and murder of our citizens.

"I will do everything in my power as Budget Committee Chairman to give President Trump the money and tools he needs to secure our border and immediately deport those in our country illegally. We have to secure our border and reform our immigration system. Our national security is very much at risk."

Background:

Laken Riley's murderer, Jose Ibarra, entered the country illegally. Ibarra was detained, but the Biden Administration confirmed to Graham that they released Ibarra into the United States through an illegal use of immigration parole. Ibarra was arrested for committing another crime, but subsequently released before ultimately murdering Laken Riley.

In March, Graham and U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) introduced the Laken Riley Act, which would require ICE to arrest and detain illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses, and mandate that these aliens are detained until they are removed from the United States so they cannot re-offend and commit further crimes.

In May, Graham made a unanimous consent request to call for the Senate to immediately pass the Laken Riley Act. It was blocked by Senate Democrats.

####