A convicted murderer serving up to 102 years in prison for killing his girlfriend has filed a lawsuit demanding $75 million, a public apology, and United States citizenship from former President Trump. Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 27, who entered the country illegally and was previously deported, claims Trump violated his rights by using his case in campaign advertisements.
The Murder and Conviction
Ortiz-Vite murdered Ruby Garcia in March 2024 during an argument while the pair were in a romantic relationship. Garcia’s body, riddled with multiple gunshot wounds, was discovered dumped along a roadside in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The killer eventually turned himself in and confessed to the crime. He received a sentence of 39 to 102 years in prison after taking responsibility for his actions.
Illegal immigrant who brutally murdered Michigan woman SUES Trump and demands $75 million, an apology and US citizenship https://t.co/sIv8I8dkFA
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) July 22, 2026
Ortiz-Vite had been deported from the United States following a 2020 arrest for driving while intoxicated. The timeline of when he illegally reentered the country remains unclear. His criminal history and immigration status became central to national immigration policy debates during the subsequent presidential campaign season.
The Lawsuit Claims
Acting as his own attorney, Ortiz-Vite filed the lawsuit claiming Trump featured his mugshot in campaign commercials as an example of murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers residing illegally in America. The prisoner wrote that the media attention transformed his case into a high-profile nightmare, subjecting him to mockery from prison staff and other inmates. He claimed the publicity shattered his dignity and brought shame to his family name.
The complaint lacks citation of specific legal violations. Instead, Ortiz-Vite argues that being used for political gain was unjust and humiliating. He wrote that the public scrutiny left him labeled as a cold-blooded murderer, causing anxiety and despair. The convicted killer seeks naturalization to what he calls this beautiful country, along with his monetary and apology demands.
Legal Analysis and Reactions
Matthew Borgula, a criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor, said the lawsuit has virtually no chance of success. Federal law requires courts to screen prisoner lawsuits before serving defendants, and this complaint likely will not survive that initial review. Presidential immunity covers official acts, and Trump’s statements about the case were substantially true. Being publicly embarrassed by a politician does not constitute a constitutional violation, Borgula explained.
Former Michigan GOP gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon called the lawsuit an example of arrogance and entitlement from convicted criminals. She criticized Democrats for coddling illegal immigrants who commit crimes, arguing lawmakers should stand with victims like Ruby Garcia instead of her killer. The case highlights ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement and criminal justice in America.