During a House Homeland Security Committee budget hearing, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene directed sharp criticism at Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, blaming him for the tragic murder of Laken Riley. Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia, was killed on February 22, 2024, allegedly by Jose Antonio Ibarra, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela.
Greene labeled immigration policies under President Joe Biden as “corruption at its deepest level” and accused Democrats of “treason,” asserting that such policies have led to violence against American citizens. She specifically referenced Riley’s case, suggesting that Mayorkas should have deported her or taken action to prevent her murder.
While the intent behind Greene’s statement remains unclear, her remarks have sparked controversy and debate. Some interpret her comments as blaming Mayorkas for failing to deport Riley’s killer, while others question whether she was suggesting Riley herself should have been deported.
Greene’s use of Riley’s death to criticize Biden’s border policies is not new, as she has previously worn clothing bearing Riley’s name during public appearances and called for the President to acknowledge her during the State of the Union address.
The congresswoman’s actions have also extended to efforts to impeach Mayorkas, with House Republicans delivering articles of impeachment to the Senate, accusing him of various offences related to immigration policies. However, the outcome of the impeachment proceedings remains uncertain, with the Democratic-controlled Senate expected to either dismiss the charges or conduct a swift trial without conviction. If the impeachment proceeds, Mayorkas would become the first cabinet member in 150 years to face such proceedings.
