The brother of the illegal immigrant accused of killing a 22-year-old woman is expected to appear in court today. Diego Ibarra faces charges for possessing a fake green card, which he presented to police during a search for his brother. Ibarra has a history of run-ins with law enforcement, having been arrested three times since entering the country.
Ibarra is scheduled to appear in federal court in Macon, Georgia, in approximately 20 minutes. Reports indicate that he used the fake green card to secure a job as a dishwasher at the University of Georgia, but was terminated when he failed to provide additional documentation.
The US Attorney General has requested a detailed hearing within three days, citing Ibarra as a flight risk. Recent revelations about Ibarra's criminal record include arrests for driving under the influence, speeding, driving without a license, failing to yield for an emergency vehicle, and possessing an open container of alcohol.
In addition to these charges, Ibarra was also arrested for shoplifting. Body cam footage from a domestic disturbance involving Ibarra last year has raised questions about his continued presence on the streets despite multiple encounters with law enforcement.
Concerns have been raised by a Georgia lawmaker regarding the failures in the system that allowed individuals like Ibarra and his brother, who is accused of a brutal murder on the UGA campus, to remain free despite their interactions with law enforcement. The brother, Jose, appeared in court shortly after the alleged murder but has not yet entered a plea.