Trump is using the murder of a woman to further his anti-immigration agenda. Here’s what to know

In a rally speech on Tuesday afternoon in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Donald Trump used the recent murder of a young woman to criticise President Joe Biden’s border policies.

As part of his campaign for president, Mr Trump has used incendiary rhetoric about the US-Mexico border, migrants and crime to promote his anti-immigration border policies and stoke fear about the current state of the border.

In doing so on Tuesday, Mr Trump spoke about Ruby Garcia, a 25-year-old Michigan resident who law enforcement officials say was murdered by 25-year-old Brandon Ortiz-Vite, a man from Mexico who Garcia was romantically involved with.

Ortiz-Vite was in the United States illegally, a fact that several conservatives have used to broadly claim that the people crossing the US-Mexico border are dangerous and blame President Biden for allowing them in.

But several politicians are criticising Mr Trump and his allies for appearing to capitalise on the death of a young person to make a political point.

Even Garcia’s sister posted on social media asking reporters to stop using Garcia’s story to turn it into “political bull****”.

Donald Trump is making his stance on immigration a key part of his re-election bid

On 22 March, Garcia was found dead on the shoulder of US-131 at Leonard Street in Grand Rapids having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. State troopers said a preliminary investigation indicated foul play was suspected.

Garcia’s family told local news outlet News 8 Wood TV that her death was shocking because she was a peaceful and private person.

They described her as someone who always made other people laugh, was passionate about travelling and who loved plants. The 25-year-old worked at a local greenhouse and was one of five