Musical rally held in honor of Missouri resident detained by ICE

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KY3) – The lyrics “we are rocking in a free world” rang out across the streets of Columbia, Missouri, in honor of a man who is not currently free.

A Missouri community came together to support a man detained by ICE. Columbia, Missouri, resident Owen Ramsingh was taken into ICE custody in the Chicago airport while returning from a trip to see family on Sept. 27. He was convicted and served time for drug charges in the 1990s. Ramsingh immigrated to the United States in the 1980s from the Netherlands and has lawfully held a green card since.

Thursday evening’s rally was organized by some of Ramsingh’s friends from the local music scene. As the sun went down, their voices rose up.

“We as American citizens need to decide if we’re ok with this. If we’re ok with productive citizens who are good people being taken out of our communities. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m not,” said Colin LaVaute.

Ramsingh’s wife, Diana, has been dealing with a constantly changing legal system since he was detained. They anticipate a hearing next week, although the exact timing is uncertain.

“We ask him to stay strong, so we’ll stay strong and we’ll keep fighting until we get him home,” Diana Ramsingh said.

Family and friends hope this rally raises awareness for Ramsingh’s situation. There are even more events planned this weekend to help raise money for his family’s legal costs. They share updates on Facebook.

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