Miguel is a parent of a Scarlett Middle School student who has lived half of his life in Ypsilanti, Michigan. On March 10th, Miguel was unjustly detained by ICE after being intercepted on Carpenter Road on his way to work. He has since been held at Northlake Detention Center in Baldwin, Michigan where it is cold and crowded.

Miguel started his life in Ypsilanti in 2001 after immigrating from Mexico. He has made a whole life in Michigan, becoming a father of four, supporting his children through school, and starting and growing a successful contracting business. When he arrived in the US, he worked multiple jobs in restaurants. In 2003, he started his own painting business. He started with a few jobs a year, but through his hard work and respectful person, he grew his business to what it is today, a well respected business that is known by many. He constantly learns new skills to provide the best services for his clients and is always willing to do carpentry, wood flooring, and any other home projects. He worked many long days to provide for his family and to this day continues to provide for his family through his business.

Even with all of his hard and long work days, he was always present for his children. All four of his children went to Ann Arbor Public schools (Mitchell, Scarlett, and Huron), where he made connections with many teachers and principals because of his involvement in his children’s lives, always attending school events and supporting them through their academics and all of their extracurriculars (sports, concerts, plays, etc.). His oldest child is studying at Eastern Michigan University with the financial support of his father. One of his daughters is a recent UM alum and his youngest daughter is at Eastern Michigan University with his financial support. His youngest child is a student at Scarlett , where they participate in a variety of activities. The accomplishments and involvement of his children in the community is a direct reflection of him and all of his hard work.

Miguel needs to be released for his and his family’s health. He needs to be reunited with his family and wants to continue being present in his children’s lives, especially in his youngest child's life who still has so many activities and events for his father to attend. Miguel’s life and his child’s life would be totally flipped upside down if he has to leave the country as their whole lives are established in Ypsilanti.

As bond hearings are not being given without an order from the federal judge, a habeas corpus petition has been placed by his attorney. Miguel is waiting for his habeas corpus case to be heard by a federal judge, who may then order an immigration judge to hear his case and permit him to post bond and be reunited with his family.

There are many expenses throughout the process and with a successful case, his family will need to pay a bond. The money will go towards his expenses in the legal process and bond. The family has committed that any remaining money will be given to other immigrant detainees and families because they are not the only ones in this situation.

Thank you all so much for your support. We have hope that with all of the community advocacy and support, this Scarlett father will be released soon.

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NOTE: I am connected to Miguel and his family because we have both students at Scarlett Middle School. I've added Miguel's daughter, M.M., as the beneficiary of this fundraiser. She will receive all donated funds directly in her bank account. Thank you all for your support!