Nancy Pelosi criticizes Joe Biden for labeling Laken Riley's killer as illegal

Pelosi criticized for insisting Biden should call Laken Riley's suspected murderer 'undocumented' instead of 'illegal' during State of the Union.

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is facing criticism from social media users for suggesting that President Joe Biden should have referred to Laken Riley's suspected murderer as 'undocumented' rather than 'illegal.' During his State of the Union address, Biden mistakenly referred to Riley as 'Lincoln' and described her as an 'innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal.'

In an interview with CNN's Dana Bash, Pelosi defended Biden's choice of words, stating that he should have used 'undocumented' instead of 'illegal.' She downplayed the significance of the terminology, emphasizing that the focus should be on expressing sympathy for the victim's family.

The suspect in Riley's murder, Jose Antonio Ibarra, is an illegal Venezuelan immigrant who has been charged with a range of offenses including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, and false imprisonment. Social media users have criticized Pelosi for prioritizing the discussion of Ibarra's immigration status over the tragic loss of Riley's life.

Hours before Biden's remarks, the House passed the 'Laken Riley Act,' which mandates that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain migrants accused of crimes such as theft. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene distributed pins in honor of Riley during this time.

Ibarra's illegal status has sparked controversy, with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp blaming the Biden administration's immigration policies for allowing him to remain in the country. Ibarra had previously been arrested for endangering a child and violating motor vehicle laws, but was released before ICE could issue a detainer.

The case of Laken Riley highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. While debates over terminology and legal status continue, the focus should ultimately remain on seeking justice for the victims and their families.