Overview

• Republican lawmakers grilled Secretary Mayorkas regarding the parole of Venezuelan immigrant Jose Ibarra, accused of murdering Georgia student Laken Riley.
• Ibarra was paroled due to 'lack of detention capacity,' a reason lawmakers argue does not align with statutory requirements.
• Sen. Josh Hawley and others accused Mayorkas of lying about the circumstances surrounding Ibarra's parole and subsequent work permit approval.
• The controversy intensifies as Ibarra, despite a criminal record, was granted a work permit in December 2023, months before being charged with Riley's murder.
• The case has sparked broader criticism of the Biden administration's immigration policies and their enforcement.