A Michigan university soccer squad has launched a crowdfunding drive that could determine whether one of its own returns home from a detention center operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Karliana Perdomo, a senior defender who helped the team clinch a conference title last spring, now faces the prospect of deportation after being taken into custody during a routine traffic stop in May.
The 22‑year‑old, who arrived in the United States as an unaccompanied minor from Venezuela in 2022, has built a reputation for academic excellence and athletic grit at Cleary University, where she balances a full course load with daily practices on the field.
The campaign, hosted on a popular giving platform, sets an ambitious target of $20,000 to cover potential bond fees, attorney expenses and other legal costs while her immigration case proceeds.
As of the latest update on June 17, the effort has already surpassed $3,000, a testament to the outpouring of support from teammates, classmates and alumni who describe Perdomo as resilient and driven.
The Legal Landscape
Immigration judges have increasingly denied bond requests in recent months, and the monetary thresholds for release have risen sharply; a $3,000 bond a decade ago now commonly exceeds $10,000, placing many detainees in a financial bind.
Unlike criminal bail, the immigration bond must be paid in full before a detainee can be released, a requirement that can trap individuals who lack immediate access to large sums.
Perdomo’s next hearing is scheduled for June 26, when a judge will consider whether to grant her release on bond pending a final decision on her removal proceedings.
If the bond is posted, any surplus from the fundraiser will be earmarked for scholarships in Perdomo’s name, ensuring that her legacy of perseverance benefits future students.
Beyond her personal story, Perdomo’s case reflects a broader narrative of immigrant athletes who navigate dual identities while contributing to campus life, often without the safety net enjoyed by peers.
Teammates and coaches alike have praised her work ethic, noting that her leadership extends beyond the pitch and into the classroom, where she maintains a spot on the dean’s list.
The fundraiser’s organizers hope the campaign will not only secure her freedom but also spark a conversation about the intersection of sports, immigration policy and community advocacy.