Community Un
Community Unites for Columbia Man Held by ICE Over Old Convictions
In a heartwarming display of community solidarity, residents in Columbia have rallied to support Owen Ramsingh, a man detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to decades-old convictions. This story unfolds as Ramsingh, who had been living peacefully in the United States since immigrating from the Netherlands at five years old, finds himself ensnared by the complexities of immigration law.
Ramsingh, who has made an annual pilgrimage back to his homeland for the past five years, encountered unforeseen complications upon returning from the Netherlands on September 23rd. His routine trip ended with detention in Chicago and subsequent relocation to a controversial migrant facility known as “Camp East Montana” in El Paso, Texas.
The community’s support network sprang into action when Ramsingh’s family revealed that ICE had detained him based on past drug convictions dating back over two decades. Despite these charges being resolved years ago, the American Immigration Council notes that immigration law does not impose a statute of limitations for deportability due to such offenses.
Ramsingh’s conviction as an adult for possessing controlled substances when he was seventeen and another charge from 2011 related to marijuana possession are at the heart of his current predicament. His family and friends, like Robert Olson and Samantha Bryan, have been vocal in their support, emphasizing Ramsingh’s positive impact on the community.
In response to concerns about the conditions at “Camp East Montana,” U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar has questioned the facility’s management practices, highlighting issues of inadequate staffing and subpar living conditions reported by detainees.
A Facebook campaign titled “Bring Owen Home” has been initiated by Ramsingh’s supporters, urging public involvement through letters of support and calls to elected officials. This grassroots effort showcases the community’s determination to see a man they regard as one of their own return home.
The story of Owen Ramsingh is more than just an immigration issue; it’s a testament to how communities can come together to stand for justice, compassion, and understanding amidst complex legal challenges.