In response to the tragic death of Laken Riley and the subsequent revelation that the suspect, Jose Antonio Ibarra, was an undocumented migrant from Venezuela, Georgia politicians have been quick to denounce federal immigration policies. University of Georgia Police Chief Jeffrey Clark confirmed that Riley and Ibarra did not know each other and that the murder was a crime of opportunity.

Georgia Representative Mike Collins from Athens placed the blame squarely on President Joe Biden, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and the government of Athens-Clarke County, accusing them of releasing millions of illegal aliens into the country which, he claimed, led to Riley's death. Collins was joined by Georgia Senator President Pro Tem John Kennedy, who criticized Athens' sanctuary city policies for endangering Georgians.

Governor Brian Kemp also weighed in, criticizing President Biden's immigration policies following Riley's death. He expressed his demand for answers from the Biden Administration to help protect Georgia citizens in light of what he described as the federal government's inaction.

The tragedy of Laken Riley's murder has sparked national outrage and renewed the debate on immigration policies and public safety. Georgia politicians are calling for accountability and action to prevent similar incidents in the future.