President Biden in the Oval Office of the White House on Friday, March 1, 2024. (Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
She noted that Biden recently traveled to Brownsville, Texas, to visit the southern border and repeated the White House's attack line on Republicans for opposing a bipartisan deal that would have increased border security funding and tightened rules for asylum-seekers. Republicans who oppose the measure say the deal would have normalized high levels of illegal immigration.
Riley's death has become a political rallying cry for Republicans, who argue every crime committed by illegal aliens could have been prevented were the border secure.
GOP CONGRESSMAN INTRODUCES ‘LAKEN RILEY ACT’ TO REQUIRE ICE TO DETAIN MIGRANTS ARRESTED FOR THEFT
Jose Ibarra was arrested on Feb. 23 in connection with Laken Riley's Feb. 22 murder in Athens, Georgia. (Clarke County Sheriff's Office)
"As Commander-in-Chief, it is your duty to protect American citizens, and this tragedy highlights the urgent need to address the surge in crime resulting from your negligence at our southern border," Banks wrote.
"Your failure to publicly acknowledge this tragedy is unacceptable," he added.
Last week, the White House provided a statement to Fox News Digital regarding Riley's death. "We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Laken Hope Riley," a spokesperson said. "People should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law if they are found to be guilty. Given this is an active case, we would have to refer you to state law enforcement and ICE."
Biden, himself, has not addressed the death of Riley, despite being asked during a press conference if he bears any responsibility for it following a speech last week.
Ibarra, who lived within a five-minute walk of the approximate crime scene, is charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call and concealing the death of another.
Ibarra entered the United States through the U.S.-Mexico border in 2022 and was freed on border parole. He initially lived in New York City before moving to Athens.
Fox News' Julia Johnson, Aubrie Spady and Thomas Phippen contributed to this report.
Chris Pandolfo is a writer for Fox News Digital. Send tips to chris.pandolfo@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @ChrisCPandolfo.
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