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Widowed father detained by ICE, daughter postpones college to raise three younger siblings

Apr 16, 2026 · Michigan

Widowed father detained by ICE, daughter postpones college to raise three younger siblings

Miguel Rosas Ruiz, a 50-year-old widowed father of four U.S. citizen children in Michigan, was detained by ICE on March 10, 2026, after being intercepted near Carpenter Road in Ypsilanti while allegedly on his way to his painting business. His oldest daughter, Morelia Rosas Martinez, 22, had postponed her college plans to care for her three younger siblings during his detention. Over the following month, Morelia advocated for his release through community support and legal assistance, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $20,000. Rosas Ruiz was released on bond on April 15 and reunited with his family on April 16. His case is one of more than 100 identified by CNN involving U.S. citizen children separated from parents through ICE enforcement actions in 2025.

Timeline

Mar 10, 2026Miguel Rosas Ruiz detained by ICE near Carpenter Road in Ypsilanti while allegedly on his way to his painting business
Mar 10, 2026Daughter Morelia Rosas Martinez, 22, postpones college plans to care for three younger U.S. citizen siblings
Mar 10, 2026Morelia advocates for father's release through community support and legal assistance; GoFundMe campaign raises over $20,000
Apr 16, 2026Family reunites with father
Apr 15, 2026Miguel Rosas Ruiz released on bond

Sources

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