A Cleary University women’s soccer team member from Venezuela, picked up by ICE agents in May and sent to the private ICE North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, is free on bond as she continues her fight to stay in the U.S.
U.S. Immigration Judge James Graulich granted a bond request by a lawyer representing Cleary University student Karliana Perdomo during a hearing on Thursday, June 25. The judge ordered a $5,000 bond, citing Perdomo’s history of playing soccer, graduating high school in the state, having no criminal record, and ties to family who live in Michigan, according to reporting by the Detroit Free Press.
The Cleary University Women’s Soccer Team’s GoFundMe account raised nearly $16,000 for Perdomo’s bond and legal expenses.
Perdomo, a senior business student at Cleary who plays on the university’s women’s soccer team, is a native of Venezuela in the United States under temporary protective status. She had applied for asylum status in compliance with US immigration law, and was picked up by ICE agents during a traffic stop in Lincoln Park, and she was taken to the detention center.
According to her soccer teammates, “Karliana is someone who shows up for others, works hard and cares deeply about her education and her future. We set up the GoFundMe campaign to help show our support for her and her family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Alan Drimmer, president of Cleary, issued the following statement: “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. Karliana is a valued member of our campus community and our women’s soccer program.”
Before joining Cleary, Perdomo graduated with honors from Western International High School in Detroit and earned an associate degree while playing soccer at St. Clair Community College.
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GoFundMe organizers say the funds raised will go to covering Perdomo’s bond and related legal expenses. Any unused contributions will go toward scholarships in Perdomo’s name.
To support Perdomo’s legal expenses, go to https://gofund.me/16e356590.
