Illegal Immigrant Sues President Trump Over Campaign Ad, Seeks Damages and Citizenship
Brandon Ortiz-Vite, a Mexican national serving a lengthy prison sentence for the murder of his girlfriend, has filed a federal lawsuit against President Trump. Ortiz-Vite is seeking $75 million in damages, a public apology, and U.S. citizenship, claiming that Trump used his case as a political symbol during the 2024 election campaign. Ortiz-Vite, who pleaded guilty to the 2024 murder of Ruby Garcia in Grand Rapids, Michigan, argues that Trump unfairly highlighted his case in campaign ads, labeling him as part of a group of 'murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers.' The lawsuit claims this portrayal led to ridicule and humiliation in prison. Ortiz-Vite's DACA status expired in 2019, and he was deported in 2020 but re-entered the U.S. illegally.