The man recognized by the U.S. as Venezuela’s legitimate president has pledged to make amends for the murder of a young American woman, saying her death was linked to Venezuela’s failed leadership and violent gangs, Fox News reports.

Venezuelan opposition figure Edmundo González Urrutia, referred to by the U.S. government as the “president-elect” of Venezuela, sent a letter to the family of Laken Riley, the 22-year-old nursing student killed while jogging in Georgia in February 2024.

In the letter, co-signed by fellow opposition leader María Corina Machado, the two wrote: “Laken’s life, full of potential and promise, was tragically cut short by an individual who should have never been allowed to cross your border.”

They blamed Riley’s murder on Venezuela’s dictatorship. “Riley’s murder [is a] direct consequence of Nicolás Maduro’s regime, which has fostered an environment where criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua can flourish with impunity.”

The gang Tren de Aragua has gained notoriety across Latin America for its violent criminal operations and is believed to be linked to the suspect in Riley’s killing — José Ibarra, a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally and was later arrested.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly supported González and Machado, calling Urrutia the “legitimate president” of Venezuela after a disputed election in July. While the Biden administration had referred to Urrutia as “president-elect,” Maduro has refused to step down and continues to rule from Caracas.

In the letter, González promised that his government would take steps to repair the damage caused by Maduro and his criminal allies. “We intend to establish a comprehensive framework for reparations, both for the countless Venezuelans harmed by this narco-state and also for victims abroad, including your family.”

He also said that the “vast majority of Venezuelans who have sought safety in the United States are committed to upholding the law and contributing to your nation’s economy and society.”

“They long for the day they can return home to reunite with their families and work toward a free and prosperous Venezuela. We look forward to welcoming them back,” the letter continued.

“Please accept this letter as a message of our deepest condolence and a solemn promise: Laken will never be forgotten. She will be remembered as an innocent victim of tyranny and a powerful catalyst for the change we are determined to bring about.”

The Trump administration, now back in office, has taken a tougher stance on illegal immigration from Venezuela, including invoking the Alien Enemies Act to speed up deportations of individuals suspected of gang ties. One legal challenge has already blocked the policy temporarily, prompting calls from Trump allies to impeach Judge James Boasberg, who issued the ruling.

The United Nations estimates that more than 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled the country over the past decade due to economic collapse and political repression. Hyperinflation, which peaked at 130,000% in 2018, left many families unable to afford basic goods.

Nicolás Maduro, in power since 2013, has been accused of corruption, authoritarianism, and drug trafficking. In response to his refusal to step down, he has issued an arrest warrant for González, who fled into exile in Spain last year.

Riley’s murder prompted national outrage and led to new immigration legislation signed by President Trump shortly after his return to office in 2025.