Readers’ Responses — February 27, 2024
The Issue: The recent arrest and subsequent release of migrant Jose Ibarra in New York, suspected of murdering Laken Riley.
As a former Manhattan assistant district attorney, I urge The Post to address the following queries to New York prosecutors and lawmakers following the tragic murder of University of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley allegedly by Jose Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela (He Was Free to Roam,” Feb. 25).
Considering that Ibarra had previously been arrested in New York for endangering the welfare of a 5-year-old, the following questions must be answered:
What was the outcome of the arrest? Did any local district attorneys choose not to prosecute the arrest?
If charges were filed, was he eligible for bail? If so, did the local prosecutor request bail?
Was bail granted? If not, who was the judge that denied it?
Were there any local regulations that prevented Ibarra’s detention prior to being handed over to ICE?
We are witnessing the heartbreaking consequences of the intersection between our nation’s immigration policies and New York’s flawed criminal justice system reforms, alongside district attorneys vehemently opposed to incarceration.
William Brief
Manhattan
With the news of Ibarra being released from jail in New York and subsequently traveling to Georgia where he allegedly murdered Riley, I must say: It is too late for President Biden to expect a border miracle to secure re-election.
Biden bears responsibility for this tragedy, and there is no statement that can salvage his administration. The harm has been done.
I believe the American people are tired of the excessive focus on Ukraine and the lack of attention to Biden’s indifference towards illegal immigrants committing violent crimes.
George Pfeiffer
East Haven, Conn.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was vocal about halting the influx of criminal undocumented immigrants into the U.S., stating in a previous post: “Seeking asylum is a legal right of all people. In the face of an authoritarian threat, we should not waver on our principles — we must stand by them.” She also deemed it “outrageous” and asserted that “the President should reject” any bill limiting asylum.
However, shortly after, a 22-year-old nursing student was allegedly murdered by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant who had been arrested and released in AOC’s hometown of New York. AOC has refrained from commenting since then.
Nick McNulty
Windham, NH
New York police arrested Ibarra, an illegal immigrant enabled by Biden and the Democrats to be in the country. He should have been deported immediately upon his arrest in New York — but that did not happen.
Laken Riley’s family is now mourning her loss allegedly at the hands of this criminal. Her family should sue Biden, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, and Gov. Hochul. This individual is here due to Biden’s executive actions and the Democrats’ agenda of increasing Democrat-leaning populations through illegal immigration.
L. Sullivan
Rye Brook
Another American family is devastated by the actions of a criminal who should never have been in this country.
A promising and committed young woman — studying to become a nurse — reportedly perished at the hands of someone with a history of illegal activities.
I would ponder how Biden sleeps at night knowing that his negligence towards the American people has led to countless deaths, but I doubt he possesses a conscience.
Betsy Flor
Putnam Valley
President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Homeland Security Chief Alejandro Mayorkas are complicit in Ibarra’s alleged crime and other violent acts in America as a result of their handling of the border crisis. They should be held accountable.
Palmer Woodrow
Las Vegas, Nev.
It is with deep sorrow that I learn of the tragic killing of nursing student Laken Riley, especially when I think of my granddaughters.
I hope that sanity will prevail in both New York and the rest of the nation on Election Day.
Martin Garfinkle
Staten Island
Want to share your thoughts on today’s news stories? Send your comments (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@nypost.com. Letters may be edited for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.
