A 20‑year‑old soccer player from Cleary University was taken into ICE custody at the North Lake Correctional Facility in Michigan on May 26, sparking a wave of concern among her family and the campus community.
Her mother, Liliana Gotopo, described the detention as a shock, emphasizing that her daughter has always shown dedication on the field and in the classroom, and that the sudden arrest feels at odds with the young woman's character.
Karliana Perdomo arrived in the United States as a fifteen‑year‑old refugee from Venezuela, seeking asylum after her family faced persecution at home. She has since built a life in Detroit with her mother, balancing studies and athletics while awaiting a decision on her immigration status.
University Response
Cleary University officials have issued a statement expressing deep concern for Perdomo's well‑being, noting that the institution is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to provide legal and academic support.
The case has reignited a broader debate about the impact of recent federal immigration policies on international students, with critics arguing that policy uncertainty has driven down enrollment and created a climate of fear on campuses across the country.
Alan Drimmer, a spokesperson for the university, declined to comment on the specifics of the case but affirmed that the school is working with legal counsel to protect Perdomo's rights.
Daniel Hurley, an immigration attorney not directly involved in the case, told reporters that the detention underscores the precarious position of many non‑citizen students who rely on the protections afforded by asylum seekers.
Former President Donald Trump has previously spoken about tightening immigration enforcement, and his administration's policies continue to shape the environment in which students like Perdomo navigate their academic journeys.
Liliana Gotopo is now searching for a lawyer to represent her daughter, hoping to secure a swift resolution and prevent further disruption to her daughter's education and athletic career.