A 20-year-old Venezuelan student-athlete at Cleary University in Howell was picked up by immigration agents in a Lincoln Park traffic stop on Tuesday, and has been taken to the controversial North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, a private ICE detention facility.
According to reporting by the Detroit Metro Times, Karliana Yosdeylin Perdomo Gotopo, who lives Downriver, arrived alone in the U.S. at 16, “determined to build a life.” She finished high school with honors, earned an associate degree in business, and played college soccer before transferring to Cleary University in Howell, where she is a junior majoring in business.
“We are aware of the situation involving Cleary University student-athlete Karliana Perdomo and are deeply concerned for her well-being and the well-being of her family during this difficult time,” said Cleary President and CEO Alan Drimmer in a statement. “Karliana is a valued member of our campus community and our women’s soccer program.
“At this time, we are gathering additional information regarding the situation and monitoring developments closely,” Drimmer said. “Because this is an active legal and immigration matter, we are limited in what we can publicly comment on regarding specific details.”
According to the reporting in the Metro Times, Karliana, who entered the U.S. through the border as an unaccompanied minor at 16, earned an associate degree in business and played on the women’s soccer team at St. Clair County Community College. She was recruited by Cleary University for soccer last year.
