Sturgis man detained by ICE near Mendon, according to advocacy group
A 26-year-old Sturgis man was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents around 6 a.m. Wednesday near Mendon, according to a member of a Sturgis-based advocacy group.
A 26-year-old Sturgis man was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents around 6 a.m. Wednesday near Mendon, according to a member of a Sturgis-based advocacy group.
Didimo Arreola, a representative of Centro Vida, a Sturgis-based Hispanic advocacy group, confirmed the arrest and said the man is a drummer in the local band Flor y Su Nuevo Estilo. Arreola said he learned of the incident from a member of the band, who asked to remain anonymous.
The individual was reportedly taken into custody and transported to a detention facility in Grand Rapids, Arreola said.
It’s also alleged that ICE agents offered the option to sign voluntary deportation papers in exchange for $1,000, which the man declined. Instead, he has requested legal representation.
Originally from Chiapas, Mexico, the individual has been living in Sturgis with his brother since 2023. The rest of his family remains in Mexico, Arreola said.
Watershed Voice has contacted the Mendon Police Department for more information but officials did not respond prior to the publication of this article.
ICE has not released a public statement, and further details about the man’s identity or the circumstances of the arrest remain unavailable.
This is a developing story.
Najifa Farhat is a staff reporter with Watershed Voice. Executive Editor Alek Haak-Frost contributed to this report.
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