It was last Monday that The American Civil Liberties Union released all the documentation revealing that Grand Rapids Police Department Captain Curt Vanderkooi contacted Immigration Customs and Enforcement, while off duty, regarding U.S citizen and veteran, Jilmar Ramos-Gomes.
Vanderkooi, who was not assigned to the case, but serves as the department’s liaison to ICE asked ICE to check the veteran’s legal status, even though the veteran had been arrested with his U.S passport in his possession. While communicating with ICE Vanderkooi used the word “loco” or crazy in Spanish to refer to Ramos-Gomez.
Second ward commissioner Ruth Kelly said the decision was a way to ensure the nature of the concerns of the community are taken into consideration.
“In terms of the administrative leave it’s a decision Chief Kiddle made, is not an unusual one, because they want to push pause and do further investigations which we would like to have done. We want to make sure we have all the information, and again its about respecting due process.”
According to the statement from the City of Grand Rapids, Vanderkooi’s actions are being investigated further.
But it was at last Tuesday’s Grand Rapids City Commission meeting that the community heard from Vanderkooi when Chief Kiddle read a statement apologizing for his actions.
“It was not my intent to disrespect Mr. Ramos-Gomez or offend anyone in any way. My decision to use unprofessional language is something I regret. I am sorry for any hurt this has caused Mr. Ramos-Gomez and our community.”
Because the helipad at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital, where Ramos-Gomez was arrested last November after trespassing, is considered federal airspace, GRPD initially said they are required to contact federal authorities, including ICE.
Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU News.
