An illegal immigrant serving a lengthy prison sentence for the murder of a Michigan woman has filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, seeking $75 million, a public apology, and U.S. citizenship. Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 27, alleges that Trump used his case as a political talking point, causing him humiliation and distress.
Ortiz-Vite is currently serving a sentence of 39 to 102 years for the March 2024 killing of Ruby Garcia, 25, in Grand Rapids. Garcia's body, bearing multiple gunshot wounds, was discovered along a roadside. The pair had been in a romantic relationship and were reportedly arguing at the time of the slaying.
Trump, whose campaign has frequently focused on immigration enforcement, highlighted Ortiz-Vite's case during a visit to Grand Rapids. He referred to Ortiz-Vite as "America's problem" and featured his mugshot in campaign commercials, depicting him as an example of individuals residing illegally in the United States. Ortiz-Vite claims these actions led to him being mocked by prison staff and inmates, feeling dehumanized and targeted based on his immigration status and race.
In a handwritten complaint filed in federal court, Ortiz-Vite named Trump and White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Steven Cheung as defendants. He stated that his case became a "high-profile case" due to media attention, leading to a "nightmare" of public scrutiny and anxiety. Ortiz-Vite asserted that while he took responsibility for his actions, using his case for political gain was "unjust" and "humiliating."
Ortiz-Vite re-entered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2020 following an arrest for driving while intoxicated. His Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status had expired in May 2019. The lawsuit, however, did not cite specific legal violations but rather blamed Trump for labeling him as a symbol of the Biden administration's border policies.
Legal experts suggest the lawsuit is unlikely to succeed. Attorney Matthew Borgula, a former federal prosecutor, noted that presidential immunity could cover official acts, though campaign statements might fall outside this protection. More fundamentally, Borgula stated that federal law requires screening of prisoner suits, and this complaint may not survive the initial review. He also pointed out that Trump's statements about Ortiz-Vite's case were "substantially true," and public embarrassment by a politician does not constitute a constitutional violation.
Ortiz-Vite is seeking $75 million in damages, a public apology from Trump, and "naturalization to this beautiful country."