Connect with us

Michigan

Michigan family fought to stop mom’s sudden deportation. After 20 years, she had to leave

Published

on

Michigan family fought to stop mom’s sudden deportation. After 20 years, she had to leave


MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A Michigan family tried everything to stop the sudden deportation of their mother.

They spoke with a lawyer. They called state senators. And they reached out to Local 4 to share their story with our viewers.

But on Friday, Irina Sobierajska went to Detroit Metro Airport to head back to Poland, leaving the United States after 20 years.

Her family said they were told she had to leave the country within 48 hours, even though they kept up with her immigration requirements.

Advertisement

“They look at her as a criminal and that’s just the heartbreaking part,” her son, Bernard Sobierajska, said. “She’s never done anything, and she’s just the nicest person in the world. I don’t get it.”

“I feel like people could find it in their hearts to not separate a family who is trying to just live a life like anybody else, and have the same opportunities and work hard,” her daughter, Patrycja Sobierajska, said.

They received a notice last week that Irina Sobierajska’s stay of removal request was denied by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.

“How can you go back to a country you have literally nothing?” Irina Sobierajska said.

She is a Polish citizen who lived in Poland for about 10 years. She’s allowed to work in the U.S. but is currently an unlawful resident because she doesn’t have legal status.

Advertisement

“Her and my dad came to the country to help build a better life and start a strong foundation for my brother and myself,” Patrycja Sobierajska said.

Irina Sobierajska is also the caretaker for her husband, who suffers from diabetes, arthritis, and depression. The family fears his condition will worsen without her.

“He just doesn’t know how he is going to continue his daily life without his wife by his side,” Patrycja Sobierajska said.

“It’s just all unfair,” Bernard Sobierajska said. “I don’t think her case was looked at enough.”

ICE released the following statement about Irina’s case to Local 4:

Advertisement

Irina Sobierajska was ordered removed by an immigration judge in 2014 as she was a visa overstay. She has been afforded due process as she made multiple attempts to appeal that decision with the courts, but the immigration judge’s order of removal still stands. ICE allows aliens to pursue relief from removal but when they exhaust all legal avenues to do so, ICE must carry out the judge’s removal order.

Statement from ICE

Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.



Source link

Michigan

Michigan groom sentenced for killing his best friend on his wedding night

Published

on

Michigan groom sentenced for killing his best friend on his wedding night


FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A man in Michigan who got married and then ran over his best friend that same day, killing him, after an alcohol-fueled argument was sentenced Monday to least 30 years in prison.

“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry,” James Shirah said in Genesee County court.

Shirah, 24, was driving when his vehicle struck Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, about an hour’s drive northwest of Detroit, on Aug. 30, 2024. He and Savanah Collier were married earlier that day and the celebration had moved to a house.

James Shirah is sentenced to at least 30 years in prison during a hearing, Monday, May 11, 2026 in Flint, Mich. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP)

Shirah’s attorney had argued that the crash was not intentional. Prosecutors, however, said Shirah had left the scene and had time to reflect before returning and striking Taylor, MLive.com reported.

Advertisement

“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” Judge Khary Hanible said.

In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.

“I hope that they throw the book at you,” Taylor’s cousin, Eren Taylor, said before Shirah received his sentence.

Shirah’s wife will be sentenced later in May for being an accessory.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Michigan

SW Michigan show returns as growing destination for vinyl collectors

Published

on

SW Michigan show returns as growing destination for vinyl collectors


BENTON HARBOR — Vinyl collectors and music fans are invited to dig through thousands of records and music collectibles at the Southwest Michigan Record Show.

The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 at Grand Upton Hall inside Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor, according to a press release.

Now in its fourth season, the show features 25 vendors from five states, offering 70 tables filled with vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, record supplies and music memorabilia.

Free admission begins at 10 a.m.

General admission is free starting at 10 a.m., while early entry is available at 8:30 a.m. for $5. Door prize drawings are planned for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., including $25 shopping certificates and record supplies from BCW Supplies. The first 75 attendees will receive free tote bags.

Advertisement

A food truck will be on site, and cash is preferred for purchases. Some vendors may accept cards, PayPal, Venmo and other payment methods, but there is no ATM on site.

Vendors from across the Midwest and beyond

The show is expected to feature a wide selection of music genres, including classic rock, pop, ’80s, metal, punk, jazz, blues, R&B, country and soundtracks.

“This show is still being discovered, and that’s part of what makes it exciting,” event organizer Jeremy D. Bonfiglio said in the release. “We’ve built a strong group of experienced vendors, so whether you’re just getting into vinyl or digging for something rare, there’s a real opportunity here to find something unexpected.”

Free parking is available near the entrance of Mendel Center, 2755 Napier Ave.

Advertisement

Future dates planned

The Southwest Michigan Record Show is also scheduled to return Sept. 19.

For more information, visit southwestmichiganrecordshow.com or follow the event on Facebook.

This story was created by reporter Cheryl Morey, with the assistance of artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Michigan

Yes, you can play curling in West Michigan

Published

on

Yes, you can play curling in West Michigan


ALGOMA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The spirit of curling is one of friendship.

While memory of the Winter Olympics may have long melted away in the minds of many Americans, there some whose curiousness for the sport of curling has extended all the way into the springtime.

“Everybody’s having fun,” said Paul Curran, league manager for the Grand Rapids Curling Club. “It’s a really weird sport in that it’s really friendly.”

The club, which plays at the Cedar Rock Sportsplex in Algoma Township, has seen a recent spike in interest in its beginners leagues and learn to curl classes.

Advertisement

“We’re all here to curl and learn,” said beginner Aaron Schwieterman. “Everyone’s making mistakes, but still having a great time learning the sport and trying to mimic what the professionals do at the Olympics.”

“I recommend it to anybody who wants to try something different,” said beginner Margaret Steketee. “If I can do it, anybody can do it.”

For a period of time on the ice, these newcomers to the sport turn into competitors. Then, at the conclusions of their games, they revert to being friends.

“Largely, what you’ll find with curlers is that when they’re done curling, they want to be friendly and hang out,” Curran said. “Which is what our league is doing right now.”

As long as people are interested, Curran says the club will continue to put on beginners leagues and lessons.

Advertisement

“The more people we get out here curling, the better,” he said.

For more information on ways to play and learn how to curl in West Michigan, visit the Grand Rapids Curling Club’s website.

Follow FOX 17: Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – YouTube





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending