A Community’s Heartfelt Effort to Free a Detained Columbia Resident

In a powerful display of solidarity, the community in Columbia has come together in support of Owen Ramsingh, who faces detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to decades-old drug convictions. This poignant story reflects not just one man’s struggle but also highlights broader immigration challenges.

A Life Between Two Worlds

Owen Ramsingh’s journey began when he immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands in the 1980s as a young child. His mother, having married an American serviceman, moved with him to pursue a new life in the U.S., establishing roots in Columbia, Missouri. For years, Owen embraced this bicultural identity, often returning to the Netherlands annually to maintain his ties there.

The Detainment

In September 2025, Owen’s routine visit home took an unexpected turn when he was detained by ICE upon arriving at Chicago from the Netherlands. His family was informed that he had been transferred to “Camp East Montana,” a detention facility in El Paso, Texas. Despite renewing his green card just two years prior, Owen’s past convictions for drug-related offenses were bringing unforeseen legal challenges.

The Legal and Emotional Struggle

Owen’s case is complicated by old charges: a conviction from when he was a minor treated as an adult in 1997, and a marijuana possession charge from 2011. These cases have re-emerged to jeopardize his stay in the U.S., despite no subsequent legal troubles.

His family and friends describe him as a pillar of positivity within the Columbia community, someone who has given back generously over the years. This support network is now rallying behind Owen, launching efforts to secure his release through social media campaigns and appeals for legislative intervention.

Calls for Justice

The conditions at “Camp East Montana” have raised significant concern among advocates and lawmakers alike. Representative Veronica Escobar highlighted alarming issues during her visits: understaffing, inadequate access to legal counsel, and poor living conditions such as rotten food and unsafe drinking water. These reports add a layer of urgency to Owen’s case.

A Community United

The “Bring Owen Home” Facebook page serves as the digital hub for those supporting his release, keeping followers updated on developments and organizing calls to action. The campaign seeks letters of support and encourages contacting elected officials to advocate for Owen’s situation.

This story is more than an individual’s plight; it reflects a community’s unwavering commitment to justice and compassion. It underscores complex immigration policies that can impact lives across decades, urging a conversation about fairness, redemption, and the human spirit.

For more updates on this ongoing effort, follow KRCG News{:target=“_blank”}.

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