Social media users called out the Associated Press on Sunday after it declined to say explicitly that an illegal immigrant had been charged with the murder of nursing student Laken Riley.
Jose Antonio Ybarra, an undocumented immigrant, was arrested and charged Friday by University of Georgia (UGA) authorities in connection with the death of 22-year-old Lake Riley, whose body was found Thursday afternoon. At a Friday night press conference announcing Ybarra's identity, authorities confirmed that he was not a U.S. resident. Initial reports suggested that Ybarra was in the U.S. illegally. , Justice Department officials confirmed that Ibarra's brother Diego was arrested on suspicion of fraudulent immigration documents. (Related: Illegal immigrant with criminal record charged with murder of University of Georgia student)
However, AP News posted an article on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday morning claiming that Riley's death “highlights the fear of being a lone female athlete.” The article notes that the suspect who killed Riley was described as an “Athens resident,” even though university officials confirmed on Friday that Riley was not a resident of the United States, and that No other background information was disclosed.
Social media users reacted and were quick to criticize the news agency for its lack of candor regarding Ibarra's position.
Conservative activist Scott Pressler blasted the media's posts about the ongoing border crisis, accusing Democrats of “bringing illegal aliens into the country.”
“This young American girl was killed by illegal aliens. So when we say Americans are being replaced, we mean it,” Pressler replied to the post. .
This young American girl was murdered by illegal aliens.
So when we say “Americans are being replaced,” we mean it.
The Democratic Party welcomes illegal immigrants into the country. They welcome illegal activity.
Democrats don't care about us or they're going to secure our borders.
— #ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) February 25, 2024
Christina Pushau, a staffer to Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, noted how the Associated Press avoided “blaming illegal aliens” for Riley's death.
Corporate media will blame women for campaigning alone before they blame killing illegal aliens
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) February 25, 2024
Former Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker corrected Exit in his response, then called for border security.
She was killed by an illegal immigrant.
Secure your borders now before more people die! https://t.co/iRTIdS1v2o
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) February 25, 2024
“In an article about illegal alien killers, the Associated Press mentions female athletes because they cannot use the term illegal alien. In an article about female athletes, the Associated Press does not define women. I can’t. Is this journalism?” I have written Ryan Gardusky, political consultant and author.
Florida Republican Rep. Bernie Jack said the “corporate media” was “bending over backwards” to avoid criticizing Ybarra's immigration status.
The corporate media will bend over backwards to avoid mentioning that this was done by illegal aliens who are allowed into our country. https://t.co/WNLlXoCHse
— Berny Jacques (@BernyJacques) February 25, 2024
“What you obviously meant was “fear of being killed by one of the millions of illegal aliens that @JoeBiden has no oversight over.” @ap producer, director, film and TV star Nick Searcy intentionally allowed cross-border streaming I have written.
Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy denounced the new allegations of care for female athletes and denounced the labeling of Ybarra.
Arrested person (illegal immigrant from Venezuela who was illegally released by Biden) “Residing in Athens.'' But certainly, now the Associated Press is concerned about this outdated concept of “woman.” cc: @Riley_Gaines_ https://t.co/C66drblICE
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) February 25, 2024
“It's just crazy framing. The media never disappoints,” said Tom Bevan, co-founder and president of RealClearPolitics. said.
Ybarra is charged with malicious murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, interfering with a 911 call and concealing the death of another, authorities confirmed Friday. In addition to Ybarra being in the country illegally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released a statement Sunday revealing that Ybarra had a criminal history. (Related: Georgia student immigrant murder suspect arrested on suspicion of brother having illegal immigration documents: Department of Justice)
After illegally entering the United States near El Paso, Texas, on September 8, 2022, Ybarra was “released on parole for further processing.” Ybarra was arrested by New York Police Department authorities on September 14, 2023, and charged with injury to a child under 17 and violation of a motor vehicle license, ICE confirmed.
Authorities said an initial investigation showed no relationship between Riley and Ybarra and called the attack on the nursing student a “crime of opportunity.” Ybarra is currently being held without bail. Atlanta's Enforcement and Elimination Operations Office (ERO) subsequently filed a detention against him.
