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A WGVU initiative in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation using on-air programs and community events to explore issues of inclusion and equity.

Kent County Sheriff: will only hold detainees for ICE with a judicial arrest warrant

Michelle Jokisch Polo

The Kent County Sheriff, Michelle LaJoye Young says they will no longer be holding individuals on behalf of Immigration Customs Enforcement. 

“The Kent County Sheriff will hold detainess for ICE only after ICE presents to our office an arrest warrant signed by a federal judge or magistrate otherwise known as a judicial arrest warrant. This change is effective immediately.” 

This new development comes after the sheriff’s department received notice from the American Civil Liberties Union that Jilmar Ramos Gomez was held under their authority on behalf of ICE even though the decorated veteran is an American Citizen. LaJoye Young says they did not contact ICE on behalf of Ramos-Gomez.  

“During our review of this incident it was established that the Grand Rapids Police Department contacted in conjunction with their arrest and investigation in Mr. Ramos-Gomez’ case.” 

The Grand Rapids Police Department issued a statement Friday afternoon saying that 

“because there was a risk to federal airspace, we contacted federal authorities, including FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and ICE.” 

The veteran’s family says he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and his actions were a result of his state of mind. He was arrested by Grand Rapids Police Department last November when he trespassed onto the helipad at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital. 

Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU News. 

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