The White House under Biden asserted that the border was secure, the federal government had a process for handling migrants, and deportations were deemed unreasonable following the illegal entry of the suspect in the recent University of Georgia murder case in September 2022.
President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre all praised the administration’s efforts to secure the southern border and manage migrant flows during that period.
After it was disclosed that the suspect charged with the murder of former University of Georgia student Laken Riley entered the United States illegally on Sept. 8, 2022, after traveling from Venezuela, their comments have gained a new significance.
“Ensuring a secure border is a top priority for any nation, including ours and our administration,” Harris stated during an interview with NBC News on September 12, 2022, just four days after Ibarra crossed the US-Mexico border.
Harris mentioned that immigration issues are still present, including the necessity for a “pathway for citizenship.”
The day after Harris’ remarks, Jean-Pierre restated in a press briefing that the border was secure.
“We are implementing groundbreaking measures at the border,” she informed the press. We needed to address an issue that required attention, particularly from the previous administration.
We have achieved unprecedented levels of funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
During a press briefing two days later on Sept. 15, 2022, Jean-Pierre emphasized that the Biden administration had taken significant steps to secure the border and improve the process system.
She proudly mentioned that border agents had made 3,000 arrests related to human trafficking enforcement.
Later on, the president reiterated Jean-Pierre’s comments during his speech at the annual Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Gala.
Biden criticized Republicans for their actions regarding governors sending busloads of illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities, accusing them of playing politics.
Ibarra’s 2022-2023 Case: Illegal Entry, Arrest, and Murder Charges
Ibarra, meantime, entered the country unlawfully in September 2022, according to confirmation released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Sunday.
ICE confirmed that he was encountered by CBP after entering near El Paso, Texas, and was “paroled and released for further processing,” according to a statement to Fox News Digital.
ICE also verified that Ibarra was arrested by the New York Police Department a year later, on Sept. 14, 2023, and was “charged with acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and a motor vehicle license violation.”
Authorities in Georgia have accused Ibarra of the murder of Riley, a 22-year-old UGA nursing student.
He has been charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, and concealing the death of another, as reported on Friday.
Riley, a nursing student at the nearby Augusta University, was discovered deceased on Thursday after she departed her dormitory for a run.
A White House spokesperson expressed their heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of Laken Hope Riley in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Individuals must face the consequences prescribed by the law if they are proven guilty. Since this is an ongoing case, we recommend contacting state law enforcement and ICE for further assistance.
