Last week, as the Republican National Convention (RNC) got underway, immigration emerged as a major topic of discussion for Republicans. Republicans brought up Georgia nursing student Laken Riley’s murder multiple times during the week.
On Thursday night, during his acceptance speech for the presidential nomination, former President Trump touched on the subject of Laken Riley’s passing. Trump linked the Biden administration to an increase in crime nationwide, particularly when it comes to illegal immigration. He mentioned a number of women who were killed by illegal immigrants when Biden was president.
President Trump mentioned his meeting with Laken Riley’s family in the wake of her passing earlier this year. “This administration has allowed a criminal immigrant to escape punishment, taking yet another American life. This is my promise to you tonight, America. “I refuse to allow these murderers and lawbreakers to enter our nation,” he declared during his acceptance speech.
Prioritizing immigration as one of its top five policy goals, the Republican National Committee unveiled its new platform before the convention. Republicans stated they will protect the border, deport illegal immigrants, and undo the Democratic Party’s open-border policies, which have increased the cost of housing, education, and healthcare for American families, according to the platform.
Riley was brutally murdered on February 22 while running a well-traveled track near Lake Herrick and the intramural grounds of the University of Georgia. Her demise marked the first murder on the UGA campus in thirty years.
The day after, authorities formally prosecuted 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan who had entered the nation illegally. Ten counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping, and interfering with a 911 call were brought against Ibarra by the authorities in May. Ibarra entered a plea of not guilty.
In the weeks and months following Riley’s death, the topic of immigration and the border between the United States and Mexico has become increasingly heated.
