Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets of Grand Rapids for Mario David Coronado Juarez, an undocumented Guatemalan immigrant who died after crashing his car while fleeing Customs Enforcement in Grand Rapids over the weekend.
The vigil, according to activists with Movement Cosecha and the Grand Rapids Rapid Response to ICE, is planned for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the site of the crash that claimed Juarez's life, at the corner of Century Avenue and McKendrick Street.
"Community members are invited to come together to honor the life of Mario David Coronado Juárez, support his family, and demand justice and accountability from the authorities," a Wednesday news release said.
Activists with the groups said they are working to bring
Coronado Juarez's remains to his homeland, where he can be laid to rest with family. Angela Schmidt started a fundraiserto support the family.
As of 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, the account had raised more than $400 of a requested $30,000.
"The family’s wish is to bring Mario’s remains home to Guatemala, where he can be laid to rest with his loved ones. The family and community will need support to make this possible. Any assistance and solidarity offered to help return Mario’s remains to Guatemala will be deeply appreciated.
Since Coronado Juarez's death, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has directed the Michigan State Police to conduct a probe into the incident, according to the spokesperson Kaylie Hanson.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Vigil planned for immigrant who died fleeing ICE in Grand Rapids
