One week after Fernando Ramirez was released from the massive federal immigrant detention center in Baldwin, he sat beside his eldest grandchild Liam on Jan. 17 in a family member’s home in Grand Rapids and placed a lit candle in the 13-year-old boy’s birthday cake. “You are affectionate and charismatic. I wish you everlasting happiness,” the abuelo told the newly minted teenager. During his more than three months at the North Lake prison, Fernando became a leader and advocate for fellow prisoners in his pod—most of whom were Hispanic. Older than most, and fluent in English, he interpreted for them, bonded with them, encouraged them to eat meals, remain active and avoid sleeping too much. Meanwhile, his daughters Samantha and Nahomi quickly realized that they could play a critical role in supporting not just their father but his fellow detainees at North Lake. The sisters helped members of Fernando’s familia inside the prison walls reconnect with their own families. They interpreted for family members who didn’t speak English, and sometimes phoned the North Lake staff to share important medical information. Late last year they started a Facebook page called “Raíces Migrantes” to help families in West Michigan whose loved ones are detained by ICE—many of them at the North Lake facility in Baldwin.
