Sasha Goryachok, a Ukrainian national who has lived in Grinnell for three years, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last week in California and is being held in Arizona while awaiting a hearing to determine his immigration status, according to a GoFundMe organized by community members.

Goryachok came to the United States legally and faces possible deportation to Ukraine, where war continues, according to the fundraiser. Organizers said he had followed the legal process to remain in the country but was unable to renew his documents because of the federal government shutdown.

“He’s the kind of neighbor we all try to be,” the fundraiser reads.

The GoFundMe, launched Thursday, Oct. 29, to cover Goryachok's legal defense and basic needs while detained, has raised more than $3,000 from over 100 donors toward a $7,500 goal.

The Scarlet & Black will update this story as more information becomes available. Read more at thesandb.com

✏️: Virginia Pitchaya Oliver
📸: Contributed by GoFundMe Fundraiser