Jason Riley criticizes politicians for using his daughter Laken’s tragic murder as a tool in the national immigration policy debate, urging for her memory to be respected beyond political exploitation.
Jason Riley, the father of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was tragically murdered in February, has expressed his displeasure over the politicization of his daughter’s death. In interviews, he criticized politicians for using Laken’s name as a talking point for their agendas, emphasizing that his daughter was not a political tool but a wonderful person who should be remembered for her true self.
Laken’s murder, committed by an undocumented migrant, has become a focal point in the national debate on immigration policies in the United States. Her death was mentioned by President Joe Biden during his State of the Union address, where he controversially used the term “illegal” referring to the suspect’s immigration status. This terminology choice sparked backlash from both Democrats and immigration activists. The president later expressed regret over his word choice amid the controversy.
In response to the tragedy, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and other lawmakers have advocated for stricter immigration measures. This includes the proposal of the Laken Riley Act, legislation targeting the detention of migrants involved in criminal activities, such as burglary and theft. The bill has passed in the House of Representatives, highlighting the ongoing contentious debate on border security and immigration reform.
Republicans have utilized Laken’s case to critique the Biden administration’s border policies, alleging that such incidents underscore the failures of current immigration strategies. In contrast, Jason Riley has voiced frustration over the divisive political exploitation of his daughter’s death, stressing its effect on his family and the inappropriate use of Laken’s name in political discourse.
Amidst this politicization, both President Biden’s remarks and former President Donald Trump’s connection of Laken’s death to Democratic policies have stirred significant attention. Trump, in particular, rallied with Riley’s family and friends, linking the tragedy to broader political narratives. Despite these developments, Jason Riley stands firm in his call to remember his daughter as more than a subject of political debate, referring to her as “an angel” whose life should be celebrated beyond the realm of political exploitation.
