Donald Trump's Upcoming Grand Rapids Visit Amid Ruby Garcia Murder Sparks Immigration Debate Within the Community

By: Aly Bates

This upcoming Tuesday, April 2nd at 2:30pm the twice impeached former President Donald Trump is scheduled to make a stop in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the Devos Place. This visit comes after the murder of local Grand Rapids woman, Ruby Garcia sparked controversy surrounding immigration policies. March 22nd, 2024 Garcia’s lifeless body was discovered on the side of the US 131. The murderer, Brandon Ortiz-Vite, had been illegally residing in the United States after being deported back in 2020 and according to court documents Ortiz-Vite fatally shot Ruby before leaving her body on the side of the road, running her over as he drove away in her vehicle. He turned himself in a couple of days later, confessing to the murder.

The announcement of Trump’s visit to the river city was accompanied by a statement from Republican Party Chair Pete Hoekestra, who recently, highlighting concerns regarding illegal immigration stating, “West Michigan Suburban families are now facing the fact that the worst issues of the Southern Border have now made their way into our backyard. This is now the second murder by an illegal immigrant in the last year in Kent County. One is a tragedy, two is a trend,” Hoekestra continues saying “West Michigan is not going to accept illegal immigrants making us feel unsafe in our community. President Trump deported this man back in 2020 and somehow he got back into the country. It’s unacceptable — President Trump has promised to secure our border, and focus on making our communities safe again and he will deliver.”

Hoekestra’s remarks prompted a number of responses from various parts of the community. Senator Winnie Brinks published her own statement condemning the politicization of Ruby Garcia’s death.  "West Michigan has long been a place of welcome for immigrants.The killing of Ruby Garcia is a tragic instance of domestic violence, and it is made even more tragic when it is co-opted by those wishing to score political points by stoking fear, xenophobia, and division. We know that immigrants (of all statuses) are a net-positive to our economy, public safety, culture, and community. We know that immigrants (of all statuses) have contributed in ways too numerous to count as parents, business owners, neighbors, employees, church members, community leaders, and friends. We know that immigrants (of all statuses) deserve to be treated with dignity -- as all people do. Shame on anyone whose rhetoric (or actions, or policies, or leadership) does the opposite."

Meanwhile, the Grand Rapids Chapter of the Socialist Alternative organization voiced their disdain for Trump's  visit with accusations of exploiting this tragedy to perpetuate harmful rhetoric about undocumented immigrants, “Trump is going to exploit a family's tragedy in order to cynically generalize all immigrants as violent criminals. Immigrants are not responsible for most murders and domestic violence, but the right wants to scapegoat them anyway because they lack any real solutions. Our response needs to be loud and clear: Trump's racist rhetoric, and attempts to smear all immigrants as criminals is not welcome here! Grand Rapids needs to show up in force to demonstrate solidarity with the immigrant community and opposition to everything Trump stands for.”

As Donald Trump is set to address the Grand Rapids community the event is expected to draw significant attention as both Trump supporters and those who oppose him will be there to make their voices heard. A protest against Trump’s visit will be taking place during the rally. ttps://fb.me/e/4lr882Ybl

Writer’s opinion: It is very clear what Trump and his constituents are trying to do. They're trying to weaponize the pain and trauma of Ruby Garcia’s family in a way that can be extremely harmful.  I unfortunately cannot say I am surprised by this turn of events as a lot of politicians have a way of trying to rule by fear and not actual facts. And the fact is that this is not an “illegal immigrant” issue. This is a domestic violence issue which has been an ongoing issue in Grand Rapids. While politicians are focusing on the wrong aspects of this senseless tragedy, we all must remind ourselves of what truly matters,  the fact that Ruby Garcia had her life stolen from her  and was left on the side of the road like she was nothing. Her family is dealing with the unthinkable and these soulless blood thirsty politicians are exploiting this tragedy to further their political agenda and boost their campaigns.