GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — Ahead of former President Donald Trump's visit to Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Michigan Democrats held a virtual news conference.
Democrat Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks gave remarks and then held a Q&A session.
The three prominent Michigan Democrats focused on border security reforms, Michigan jobs, unemployment and the aftermath of overturning Roe v. Wade, according to a release.
Stabenow began the presser by focusing on immigration policies after the politicization of the death of 25-year-old Ruby Garcia, a Grand Rapids woman who was shot and killed on March 22.
Brandon Ortiz-Vite admitted to shooting Garcia multiple times in her car and then leaving her for dead on US-131. He was in the United States illegally, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
"Let me just start today, really underscoring the fact that Ruby Garcia's death was a horrible tragedy. And so is every life taken by violence, including domestic violence, regardless of who commits the crime, period. But unfortunately, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are hell-bent on exploiting Ruby's death for their own politics. Frankly, I think it's shameful," Stabenow said.
The longtime Michigan Senator pointed to an immigration bill that originally showed bipartisan support but has since been stalled.
"On February 7th of this year, Senate Republicans had a chance to vote for a tough, effective, bipartisan bill to address those challenges. 55 days later, 55 days later, we're still waiting for that bill to pass. 55 days ago, Republicans killed the bill. And we know why, it was very clear, and Donald Trump admitted it. He told them to stop the bill," Stabenow said.
Stabenow acknowledged that the United States immigration system is broken and needs reform, but blames Trump and MAGA Republicans for the ongoing border crisis.
"Donald Trump isn't interested in border security or making our immigration system work. He is only interested in scapegoating people for his own benefit and creating chaos. Here's the truth. Donald Trump is the one to blame for the ongoing border crisis," Stabenow said.
U.S. House of Representatives Congresswoman Haley Stevens also spoke Tuesday, echoing Stabenow's sentiment on the border crisis and highlighting women's rights.
"We are at a time when women's rights are vehemently under attack. We're proud of the leadership that we've had here in Michigan to secure women's rights, but all across this country. Women's rights are also under attack. Republicans like Donald Trump don't have a plan," said Stevens.
Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks was the last to speak, mentioning border concerns, women's reproductive health and the Michigan economy under Trump.
"When it comes to Trump's failed policies and their harmful impact. Nobody knows better than Michiganders. Trump's policies created incentives to ship Michigan manufacturing jobs overseas. We lost over 200,000 jobs including 30,000 in manufacturing. Six auto factories closed under Trump because he incentivized companies to move their production overseas," said Brinks.
Trump is set to speak at the Grand Rapids Convention Center on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. He is planning to speak about border security, including the death of Ruby Garcia.
Trump called the situation "Biden's Border Bloodbath" in a press release.
"Joe Biden's Violent Criminal Illegals are invading backyards and communities across Michigan resulting in death, destruction, and chaos," the release continued.
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