Mayorkas: Federal Authorities were Not Informed of Laken Riley Suspect’s Arrests

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas informed CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday that state and local governments did not report the alleged criminal activities of an undocumented Venezuelan migrant charged in the death of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley.

Mayorkas mentioned that there are varying levels of cooperation in different cities, and in this instance, federal authorities were not notified.

Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, was tragically found beaten to death on Feb. 22 on the University of Georgia campus. Jose Antonio Ibarra, who was in the U.S. illegally, was arrested on murder and assault charges related to her death.

Mayorkas described Riley’s death as “an absolute tragedy” and expressed condolences to the family. He emphasized the importance of cities notifying federal authorities about individuals who pose a threat to public safety.

Ibarra was taken into custody by Border Patrol in September 2022 and was later released on parole, as reported by the New York Post. Following his release, he was involved in two criminal incidents, including illegal driving and a shoplifting case in New York.

Some cities, such as New York, have “sanctuary city” policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Republicans have criticized the Biden administration’s border security policies for Riley’s death and questioned Ibarra’s release and lack of deportation after previous criminal incidents.

Mayorkas emphasized during “Face the Nation” that the responsibility for the murder lies solely with the perpetrator, stating, “one individual is responsible for the murder, and that is the murderer.”