News Summary
Carlos Menjivar, a man from Grand Rapids, was deported to El Salvador after being detained by ICE officers during an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program meeting. His family sought refuge at a local church following the deportation, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant families. The incident has raised concerns among advocacy groups regarding ICE’s enforcement practices and their impact on communities, emphasizing the need for continued activism to support immigrants.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
A local man, Carlos Menjivar, was recently deported to El Salvador after being detained by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) in Grand Rapids. Menjivar’s deportation occurred on June 23, 2025, following his apprehension on June 4, 2025, while he was attending a meeting for the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP).
Details of the Arrest
During the ISAP meeting, held on Michigan Street NE near College Avenue, ICE agents unexpectedly detained Menjivar. Prior to this incident, his case was under review due to plans for a potential departure outlined for June 14. Instead of the anticipated review process, Menjivar was taken into custody directly. This situation escalated as ICE seized both Menjivar’s and his family’s passports during the detention, complicating their status.
Family’s Response and Actions Taken
Following Menjivar’s deportation, his family sought refuge at Fountain Street Church, an act that demonstrated their commitment to remaining together in the face of significant challenges. Ultimately, they made the decision to leave the United States voluntarily. This decision highlights the lengths to which families are willing to go to stay united, despite the pressures and fears surrounding ICE enforcement activities.
Broader Implications and Community Reaction
The deportation of Menjivar has raised alarm among immigrant rights advocates in Grand Rapids, reflecting a growing concern over ICE’s enforcement actions in the community. Various local organizations and advocates state that they will persist in their efforts to protect immigrant families from similar fates, emphasizing the importance of community support and activism in this ongoing struggle.
Background on ICE Activities
ICE has faced criticism from numerous groups for its stringent enforcement policies, which many believe have been increasingly aggressive. The concerns center not only on the immediate impact of such actions on families but also on the broader implications for the immigrant communities within cities like Grand Rapids. Observers note that these enactments can lead to fear among undocumented individuals and their families, affecting their daily lives and interactions within their neighborhoods.
Conclusion
The case of Carlos Menjivar serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant families due to U.S. immigration policies. As the community grapples with the implications of this deportation, the commitment of advocacy groups to uphold the rights of immigrants remains steadfast. The landscape of immigration enforcement continues to evolve, and the need for awareness and advocacy within local communities is more crucial than ever.
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HERE Resources
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Emergency Rally in Grand Rapids to Support Gaza
North Lake Correctional Facility to Reopen as Detention Center
Additional Resources
- WOOD TV: Man Detained by ICE in Grand Rapids Returns to El Salvador
- WWMT: Immigrant Rights Groups React to ICE Arrests in Grand Rapids
- FOX 17: Activists Rally for Sanctuary City Policies in Grand Rapids
- Michigan Advance: End of Humanitarian Parole and TPS in Michigan Communities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
