Laken Riley Act passes House , but Brandon still can't say her name

Yesterday afternoon, 7 March 2024, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill that would require the detention of any illegal immigrant who committed burglary or theft.  The Laken Riley Act was named for Laken Riley -- Say her name! -- a 22-tear-old nursing student at the University of Georgia at Augusta, who was killed [You'd better say "allegedly". Ed.] by José Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old from Venezuela who entered the USA illegally.

The measure cleared the House by 251 votes to 170, with 37 Democrats joining all Republicans present in voting "aye". It was the latest move by GOP lawmakers to put a spotlight on the crisis at the pretty-much-open southern border, which has emerged as a key issue in the 2024 campaign, and a serious liability for President Brandon.

Until last night's anti-Trump State of the Union (SOTU) tirade, Demented Joe Biden had carefully avoided any mention of Ms Riley's tragic death, refusing even to mention her name in public. But last night, addressing dozens of legislators and others wearing "Say her name!" pins and buttons, he rose to the challenge... and blew it! Here's the video.

Among those giving the gears to to the soon-to-be-former President last night was Marjorie Taylor Green, the Republican who represents Georgia's 14th district. All those in favour of Donald Trump choosing her as his running mate, raise your hands!

Meanwhile, Sr Ibarra has been charged with felony murder, false imprisonment, and kidnapping. No date has been set for his trial, as Fani Willis, who is expected to lead the prosecution, is otherwise occupied.