Peach Tree Times

Senate Committee on Public Safety Chairman John Albers and Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch have issued statements following the murder of Minelys Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez. Her body was found last week after her disappearance from Cornelia, Georgia.

Senator Albers linked the tragedy to inadequate border security, calling for federal action. "It is with profound sadness and frustration that we mourn the senseless murder of Minelys Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez," he stated. Known as 'Mimi' to friends, 25-year-old Rodriguez-Ramirez had moved from Puerto Rico and worked at Mt. Vernon Hills, Inc., supporting her family in Georgia. She was last seen on October 22, 2024, at a Walmart in Cornelia.

The suspect in her murder, Angel DeJesus Rivera-Sanches, an illegal immigrant, was apprehended in Atlanta while attempting to flee to Mexico. He has been charged with kidnapping related to her disappearance.

Albers commended law enforcement agencies for their swift action in apprehending the suspect and highlighted legislative efforts such as House Bill 1105 aimed at addressing criminal activity by illegal immigrants. He expressed concern over the impact of open-border policies and cited another tragic incident earlier this year involving Laken Riley.

Echoing Albers' sentiments, Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch called for stronger federal border control measures: "The murder of Minelys Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez...is a tragedy that should prompt us all to question how much longer we will put our own people at risk due to Washington’s failure to secure our borders."

Both senators emphasized the need for action to prevent future tragedies and protect communities across Georgia and the United States.