Outrage as Illinois judge allows gun ownership rights for illegal immigrants after Laken Riley murder

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS: An Illinois judge endorsed the idea that undocumented migrants entering the US have the right to carry guns. Internet users were left outraged over the decision and dubbed it as "America's decline."

This ruling comes amid the murder of 22-year-old Georgia student Laken Riley who was allegedly kidnapped and killed by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan national, who had entered the US illegally. The gruesome crime pushed the US Senate to propose the Laken Riley law, which commands that US Migration and Traditions Authorization (ICE) ought to detain undocumented migrants accused of burglary or shoplifting.

Illinois judge allows illegal immigrants to own guns

US District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman ruled that a federal prohibition on illegal immigrants owning firearms is unconstitutional as applied to defendant Heriberto Carbajal-Flores, reports Fox News. 

On June 1, 2020, Carbajal-Flores, an undocumented immigrant, was found in the Chicago area of Little Village with a firearm. A federal law that forbids noncitizens who are not permitted to be in the United States from "possess[ing] in or affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition" was subsequently brought against him.

The federal ban on handguns is "facially constitutional," the court ruled. However, there is no historical practice of weapon control that would allow the government to deny the right to bear arms to a noncitizen who has never been convicted of a serious crime.

Judge Coleman stated that the law preventing noncitizens from possessing firearms "violates the Second Amendment rights" of Carbajal-Flores and granted him the motion to dismiss the case. Coleman, appointed by President Obama, cited the landmark Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v Bruen (2022), which established a new standard to determine whether a law violates the Second Amendment. 

Carbajal-Flores's legal team argued against permanently banning someone from gun ownership just because they're not a citizen, the Daily Mail reports. Coleman acknowledged Carbajal-Flores's citizenship status but didn't focus on it heavily in the ruling.

Judge Coleman agreed with the defense, noting, "The court notes, however, that Carbajal-Flores has never been convicted of a felony, a violent crime, or a crime involving the use of a weapon."

The Illinois State Police stated that some types of firearms, such as assault weapons and certain cartridges, can still be kept after January 1, 2024. However, individuals need to submit an endorsement affidavit before that date to follow state regulations.

Internet users say America is 'ruined'

A user wrote, "It's downhill for America from here. smh"

Another user wrote, "So millions can just come in and be armed... sounds like an invasion..."

A user commented, "The country is ruined. God help us"

Another user commented, "Illegal immigrants ?? What are they on please ?? This isn’t safe for anyone"

A user stated, "America justice ⚖️ system is one of the most confusing one I've ever heard of."

Another user stated, "What exactly is the goal in this country anymore? It seems to be completely backwards"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.