(Chanting) “Say it loud, say it clear! Say it loud, say it clear! Immigrants are welcome here. Immigrants are welcome here.”
A few dozen marched from Grand Rapids’ Rosa Parks Circle to near DeVos Place where former President Donald Trump was delivering remarks on what he calls “Biden’s Boarder Bloodbath.” Movimiento Cosecha GR hosted the rally.
“A moment of silence for a tragic event for Ruby Garcia.”
The 25-year-old murdered on March 29th. Her body discovered along US-131. Garcia’s boyfriend, Brandon Ortiz-Vite, a Mexican citizen illegally in the United States, allegedly shot her.
“We want to make clear that the reason that this life was lost was due to domestic violence.”
Gema Lowe is with Movimiento Cosecha, a national, non-violent movement fighting for permanent protection, dignity, and respect for all undocumented immigrants.
“That’s what we need to talk about here on this incident, not the anti-immigrant rhetoric that is permeating with candidate Trump.”
“Unfortunately, we have seen that many people in elected office, and those aspiring to political office, are taking advantage of a tragedy here in the Grand Rapids area to advance their political interests.”
Ivan Diaz is Kent County Commissioner for District 20.
“And I think it’s a shameful tactic that they’re using and I’m glad to see the community standing out here, even in this weather, speaking out in support of the immigrant community.”