GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The death of Ruby Garcia has prompted lawmakers and members of Michigan's GOP to call for an increase in border security. They've also criticized the Biden Administration for what they describe as failed border policies.
Garcia was found dead on US-131 near Leonard late Friday night. Court documents say Brandon Ortiz-Vite confessed to law enforcement that he shot Garcia during an argument in her vehicle. Police said Garcia's family told them that the two were in a romantic relationship.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that Ortiz-Vite was in the U.S. illegally. He had been deported in 2020 and later reentered the U.S. at an unknown time.
Local organizations who provide support to survivors of domestic violence have voiced concern that the death of Ruby Garcia is being used for political reasons. They said the focus needs to be on countering the rise of domestic violence happening across the state, rather than the status of the perpetrator.
"The vast majority of victims and abusers that we see are legal residents so changing immigration policy, 'tightening our borders' doesn't change patterns of abuse affecting the thousands of people we serve each year," said Charisse Mitchell, CEO of YWCA West Central Michigan. "Focusing on immigration in light of Ms. Garcia's murder diminishes the very real problem of domestic violence and minimizes the experiences of those who are abused everyday."
"It's frustrating when they said it's an immigration thing, that it is, you know an undocumented person. That is not the real thing, it is very fun to point it out when it's needed," said Andrea Inostroza, founder and executive director of Puertas Abiertas. "The problem is that this is a health problem."
Puertas Abiertas is a Grand Rapids organization that specializes in providing health and legal support to survivors of domestic violence in Kent County's diverse Latino communities.
Inostroza said domestic violence is a growing public health problem in Michigan, especially when discussing violence against women.
"I was heartbroken because she was so young and the way she was killed," said Inostroza.
"Domestic violence doesn't discriminate race, you know, economic status, legal status, or anything, not even gender," said Yulieta Tornes, program manager for Puertas Abiertas.
Tornes also shared the sentiment that Garcia's death is being used for political reasons, rather than addressing the causes of domestic violence.
Inostroza said they have seen a 35% increase in cases since the pandemic. YWCA West Central Michigan said they have also seen a 25-35% increase in calls for their emergency shelter and sexual assault service crisis line.
"The problem of domestic violence is a pattern of power and control and abuse perpetrated by one person over another," said Mitchell. "Until we find ways to disrupt that pattern, to hold all people accountable for their behavior in those relationships and provide safety and security for anyone who may seek help, the problem isn't going to go away."
Mitchell added that the focus on one particular detail diminishes the impact of this particular crime.
"It is not a simple thing, it is not a simple fix. So if we are only looking at one lever, there are seven more that need to be pulled and need to be addressed," said Mitchell.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can utilize the resources below:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
Text "START" to 88788
The YWCA 24-Hour Hotline: 616-454-9922
Puertas Abiertas: 616-690-8267
Safe Haven Ministries: www.safehavenministries.org or (616) 452-6664
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