WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday, law enforcement officials arrested Jose Antonio Ibarra and charged him with murder in the death of Laken Riley in Georgia.
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the Riley family in the wake of this tragedy,” said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum.
“An individual committed this crime, and that individual must be brought to justice. At the same time, elected officials and candidates should not use this heartbreaking case for political ends or to generate fear. We need leaders who will bring us together, not sow division.
“Policy solutions that bring security, order and compassion to the border and our broader immigration system will help law enforcement officials keep our communities as safe as possible. Officials who have the trust of immigrant communities can better protect all of us.”
Research has demonstrated repeatedly over the years that immigrants are less prone to criminal behavior than people born in the U.S.