“ICE and cops go hand in hand, ICE and cops go hand in hand”
That is the sound of the dozens in attendance protesting against Grand Rapids police Curt Vanderkooi who was responsible for contacting immigration and Customs Enforcement on behalf of Jilmar Ramos-Gomez, a U.S citizen and veteran.
“We ask that you immediately remove Captain Vanderkooi from his position as a trusted U-Visa certifier and ICE liaison, and place someone in who has a proven track record of trust in that position.”
That is Hillary Scholten. She is a staff attorney for the Michigan Immgirants Rights Center. Her comments come in response to GRPD’s interim Chief David Kiddle statement supporting Vanderkooi’s actions.
“Grand Rapids Police Department requires employees to report any suspected criminal activity including those pertinent to the Department of Homeland Security of which ICE is a part.”
After several attempts to assuage the tensions, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalyn Bliss adjourned the meeting.
Ramos-Gomez was arrested last November after trespassing onto a helipad at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital. GRPD then contacted ICE to check his legal status, even though the veteran was arrested with his passport in his possession. ICE held the U.S citizen under the threat of deportation for three days.
Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU News.
