In a decision that has outraged victims’ advocates and reignited calls to end sanctuary policies nationwide, the illegal immigrant convicted of brutally murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley has just been handed a stunning legal opportunity — a court-ordered mental evaluation that could pave the way for a new trial.

Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan national and known member of the violent Tren de Aragua gang, was found guilty in November 2024 of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault with intent to rape, and kidnapping after a sickening attack that shook the country. Just months ago, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole by Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge Patrick Haggard.

Now, that same judge has ruled that Ibarra must undergo a mental competency evaluation — a move that could ultimately overturn his conviction.

According to The New York Post, Ibarra’s attorneys argue that their client suffers from a “congenital deficiency” that may have rendered him mentally unfit to stand trial or assist in his own defense — despite the fact that Ibarra voluntarily waived his right to a jury trial and responded affirmatively when asked by the judge if he understood the legal implications of doing so.

Even ABC News reported at the time that Ibarra confirmed he was waiving his rights “freely, knowingly, and intelligently.”

That was before Judge Haggard heard the bench trial and handed down a guilty verdict based on clear and overwhelming evidence.

But now, thanks to the court’s new ruling, Ibarra’s defense team — funded by American taxpayers — is being given a second bite at the apple.

This is the same man who crossed into the U.S. illegally in 2022, was released multiple times under Democrat-led sanctuary policies, and ultimately landed in Athens, Georgia — another sanctuary jurisdiction — where he murdered an innocent young woman in broad daylight.

Laken Riley, just 22 years old, was out for a jog on the University of Georgia campus in February 2024 when Ibarra ambushed her, dragged her into the woods, bludgeoned her with a rock, and left her to die.

Yet now, his defense is angling for a do-over — and a Democrat-appointed judge just opened the door.

Unsurprisingly, the Left has refused to take accountability. Democrats refused to name Laken Riley in public statements after her murder and sat silently in March as President Donald Trump honored her memory during a joint session of Congress.

The contrast couldn’t be clearer: under Biden-era sanctuary policies, illegal aliens like Ibarra are given multiple chances to roam free — while American families like the Rileys are left devastated, with no second chances and no justice.

Allyson Phillips, Laken’s mother, made the pain heartbreakingly clear.

“This monster took away our chances to see Laken graduate from nursing school. He took away our ability to meet our future son-in-law. He destroyed our chances of meeting our grandchildren,” she told CNN. “And he took my best friend.”

The outrage is growing — and so is the demand for accountability. Ibarra’s case is not just a local tragedy — it’s a national disgrace, a byproduct of broken immigration enforcement and the Left’s reckless sanctuary agenda.

How many more innocent Americans must die before our leaders choose citizens over criminals?