Laken Riley’s mom, sister attends Trump’s speech
President Donald J. Trump is expected to lay out his domestic and foreign policy agenda during his address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Tuesday honored the memory of Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student killed while jogging on the University of Georgia campus.
During his first speech to a joint session of Congress, he highlighted his administration’s immigration policies during a White House event.
Laken Riley killed on UGA campus
The backstory:
In early 2024, the tragic death of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia, captured national attention. Riley, who was highly regarded as the best in her class, was brutally murdered while jogging on the University of Georgia campus. Her death became a significant point in President Donald Trump’s campaign rhetoric, particularly concerning border security and immigration policies.
RELATED: Jose Ibarra found guilty for murder of Laken Riley, sentenced to life without parole
Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan migrant, was convicted in November for the murder of Laken Riley. Ibarra had previously been arrested for shoplifting and was later paroled. He was sentenced to life without parole for his crime. President Trump has attributed Ibarra’s presence in the United States to the immigration policies of the previous administration under President Joe Biden, criticizing them as “heartless.”
Trump on Laken Riley Act
What they’re saying:
President Trump honored Laken Riley’s memory and highlighted his administration’s immigration policies. “A brilliant 22-year-old nursing student named Laken Riley, the best in her class, admired by everybody, went out for a jog … and was viciously attacked, assaulted, beaten, brutalized, and horrifically murdered,” Trump stated. He emphasized the importance of the newly signed Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of certain migrants deemed a public safety risk. “That’s why the very first bill I signed into law as your 47th President mandates the detention of all dangerous criminal aliens who threaten public safety,” Trump said. “Very strong, powerful act. It’s called the Laken Riley Act.”
RELATED: Trump signs Laken Riley Act into law as first piece of legislation
Immigration debate continues
The other side:
Critics of the administration’s policies argue that the focus on immigration in the context of Riley’s murder may overshadow other factors contributing to crime and public safety.
What’s next:
The Laken Riley Act represents a significant shift in immigration policy, with potential implications for how migrants are processed and detained in the United States.
The Source: This article is based on President Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used. This article is being reported out of Atlanta.
