White House blames Republicans—not illegal immigration—for Laken Riley’s murder

Jean-Pierre placed blame on Republican lawmakers for failing to pass legislation such as the border bill package tied to Ukraine and Israel funding that would have increased some funding for security but also would have streamlined the asylum process for more illegal immigrants. The White House press secretary suggested it was Republicans who have “gotten in the way” of fixing immigration.

"This is a horrific loss for any family," said Jean Pierre in the interview with CNN. "We don't want to see anything happen like that again. But here's the thing. We have done the work to make sure we're dealing with a broken immigration system. The Republicans have gotten in the way. They have gotten in the way. And that's what we continue to see over and over and over again."

At the same time, President Biden has been considering taking executive action to secure the US-Southern border without relying on Congress to pass any new laws.

In the interview, Jean Pierre referred to the alleged illegal immigrant killer as "whoever is found guilty."

Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, was booked into Clarke County Jail on Saturday. He has been charged with felony murder, aggravated battery, and other criminal violations including kidnapping over the death of Laken Riley.

Riley was out for a jog on UGA's campus at the time she was allegedly attacked and killed by Ibarra, according to authorities. Authorities revealed that Ibarra had illegally entered the US through El Paso, Texas in September 2022.

Ibarra reportedly "disfigured" Riley's skull. Police said they found evidence consistent with blunt force trauma to the head.