103 Days Locked Up by ICE in North Lake

February 22, 2026

Fernando Ramírez, a Mexican immigrant who came to the United States in the 1980s, spent approximately 103 days detained at Michigan's North Lake ICE Processing Center after being arrested despite having a valid work permit and no criminal record. During his detention at the facility, which is operated by private company GEO Group and has grown to hold over 1,400 detainees, Ramírez witnessed and experienced inadequate medical care, unsanitary conditions, poor food quality, and insufficient cold-weather protection. His experience reflects broader concerns about the facility raised by families and officials, including the death of another diabetic detainee and reports of suicide attempts.

Who is affected

Fernando Ramírez (detained immigrant)
Ramírez's daughters Samantha and Naomi
A young non-English-speaking detainee who experienced convulsions
Nenko Gantchev (Bulgarian immigrant who died at the facility)
Gantchev's family
Over 1,400 detainees at North Lake Processing Center (1,266 with no criminal record as of January 22, 2026)
Diabetic detainees facing particular health risks
Immigrants receiving support from Raíces Migrantes network
Politicians in Illinois and Michigan calling for investigation

What action is being taken

Ramírez's daughters organized a support network called Raíces Migrantes that provides financial assistance for food and phone calls, transportation upon release, and translation help
Politicians in Illinois and Michigan have called for an independent investigation into conditions at the facility
Gantchev's family seeks a second independent autopsy

Why it matters

This situation highlights serious concerns about conditions in privately-operated immigration detention facilities, particularly regarding medical care for vulnerable populations like diabetics. The case demonstrates how immigrants without criminal records are being detained in facilities where basic standards of care—including adequate medical attention, sanitary conditions, and proper food—are allegedly not being met. The death of Gantchev and multiple reported suicide attempts underscore potentially life-threatening consequences of inadequate oversight. Additionally, the rapid growth of the facility population (from 28 to over 1,400 detainees in months) and the financial interests of private prison companies managing these centers raise questions about prioritizing profit over humane treatment.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com