Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences and support for the family of Laken Riley following the conviction of Jose Ibarra for her murder. Governor Kemp described Riley's death as 'senseless' and commended the Riley family for their bravery throughout the trial.
In a statement, Governor Kemp, a Republican, emphasized that justice had been served but lamented that Riley 'should still be with us today.' He pledged to continue honoring her memory and working to ensure that her legacy endures.
Furthermore, Governor Kemp criticized current immigration policies, reiterating his belief that Riley's killer should never have been allowed to enter the United States. He linked the tragedy to what he views as the failure of open border policies, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing community safety.
Earlier this year, Governor Kemp signed immigration enforcement legislation in response to Riley's murder, underscoring his commitment to addressing border security issues. Despite the conviction in this case, he remains steadfast in his support for efforts to secure the border and protect the state and the nation.
It is worth noting that data analysis indicates no significant correlation between illegal immigration and violent crime, challenging the narrative that has been put forth in relation to cases like Laken Riley's. This information underscores the complexity of the immigration debate and the need for evidence-based policymaking.