Marshall Man Detained by ICE After Sudden Visa Revocation

Issue #243

16 Apr

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☁️ Marshall, MN Weather - Cloudy with a high of 68

🗞️ Marshall Man Detained by ICE After Sudden Visa Revocation

🗞️ Schwan’s Parent Company Developing Indoor Seaweed Farming Technology

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Marshall Man Detained by ICE After Sudden Visa Revocation

A 33-year-old Marshall resident and Indonesian citizen, Aditya Wahyu Harsono, remains in ICE custody after being detained on March 27 following the unexpected revocation of his F-1 student visa.

Harsono, who had been lawfully residing in the U.S. since 2021, was completing his Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, working as a supply chain manager at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center.

He had earned a master’s degree in business administration and management from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) after enrolling in August 2021 and graduating in December 2023.

According to court filings, Harsono’s visa was revoked on March 23 without prior notice. He was arrested just four days later for allegedly overstaying the now-invalidated visa, despite his legal employment under OPT at the time.

The visa revocation stemmed from a misdemeanor conviction in 2022, when Harsono pled guilty to damage to property after spray-painting semi-trailers and a bridge support in Marshall.

He served jail time, paid fines, and successfully completed supervised probation by February 2024. Aside from minor traffic violations, his record shows no further incidents.

Harsono’s arrest triggered an outpouring of concern from his family.

His wife, a U.S. citizen, shared that their 8-month-old daughter has been deeply affected by his absence. The family has faced financial hardships since his detention, including the loss of his job and health insurance.

On April 10, an immigration judge approved Harsono’s release on a $5,000 bond.

However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security swiftly appealed the decision, halting his release.

Harsono’s attorney raised concerns that his prior participation in a 2021 George Floyd protest may have factored into the decision to revoke his visa.

He was arrested during that event for a curfew violation, but the charge was later dismissed. According to court records, evidence related to the protest was referenced in support of his removal.

Harsono’s arrest occurred amid a broader wave of visa revocations affecting international students across the U.S., with hundreds reportedly impacted in recent weeks.

At Minnesota State University Mankato, six students were affected around the same time.

Harsono and his wife were married in October 2023 and had already begun the process of applying for a green card.

Legal filings indicate that a pending I-130 petition and spousal green card application may still provide a lawful basis for his stay in the U.S.

As of April 13, Harsono remains in custody at the Kandiyohi County Jail in Willmar. His next immigration hearing is scheduled for April 17.

Schwan’s Parent Company Developing Indoor Seaweed Farming Technology

CJ Foods, the parent company of Schwan’s, is investing in innovative farming technology aimed at growing seaweed indoors, as part of its strategy to expand Korean cuisine offerings globally.

The company recently announced its development of land-based seaweed aquaculture, a process that grows seaweed in indoor tanks rather than in the ocean.

This approach aims to provide a sustainable and reliable supply of seaweed for use in a range of food products, including those under the bibigo and Schwan’s Company brands.

Land-based seaweed farming offers several advantages, including greater control over environmental conditions such as temperature and water quality, reduced exposure to ocean-borne diseases and pollutants, and the ability to meet rising global demand for seaweed-based products.

CJ Foods has been working on this technology since 2018 and successfully cultivated seaweed in a 3-ton tank in 2022.

The company plans to scale production to a 10-ton capacity by 2025.

Korea is expected to be the first country where commercial land-based seaweed farming will be implemented. As the system matures, the company may consider expanding the technology internationally.

In the U.S., CJ Foods already incorporates seaweed in a variety of bibigo and Schwan’s products, such as snacks and wraps used for dishes like sushi.

The company views seaweed as a strategic ingredient with strong growth potential across global markets.

CJ Foods is a division of CJ CheilJedang, a South Korea-based global food company known for developing and distributing Korean-style foods worldwide.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Wednesday, April 16th

  • Soup & sermon at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall (each Wednesday during Lent)

    • Serving begins at 11:45 and sermon is at 12:05

Thursday, April 17th

  • Easter Egg & Bunny Scavenger Hunt at the Marshall Lyon County Museum from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Worship at First Lutheran in Marshall (livestream available) at 7:00 PM

Friday, April 18th

  • Glo-Wild Egg Hunt at location TBD from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

  • Easter Egg & Bunny Scavenger Hunt at the Marshall Lyon County Museum from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Good Friday Worship at First Lutheran in Marshall (livestream available) at 7:00 PM

  • Lynd Fire Department Fish Fry at Lynd Public School from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

    • Free Will Donation

    • All you can eat (or until gone)

    • Featuring Fish, Baked Potato, Coleslaw, Dinner Roll, Pop & Juice

    • Proceeds benefit Lynd Fire Relief Association to help offset the cost of repairs, equipment & training.

Saturday, April 19th

  • Easter Egg Swim at the YMCA in Marshall at 9:30 AM

    • Sign up for just $5

  • Wood Lake Easter Egg Hunt at Freedom Park (weather permitting) starting at 10:00 AM for children 2-7

    • Bring your basket to collect eggs

  • Easter Egg & Bunny Scavenger Hunt at the Marshall Lyon County Museum from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sunday, April 20th

  • Easter Sunday Worship at First Lutheran in Marshall at 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. Both services include Holy Communion (livestream available at 9:30 AM).

Friday, April 25th
Saturday, April 26th
Tuesday, April 29th

  • Hope Harbor's Dessert Frenzy at 5:30 P.M. in the Upper Room in Marshall

    • Enjoy a night of fellowship, music, stories, appetizers and delicious gourmet desserts in support of Hope Harbor.

    • There is not cost to register for this fundraising event. During the program and entertainment, we'll ask that you consider a monetary donation to Hope Harbor.

    • Registration is required to ensure seating.

    • Adults only event.

    • Your support will make a difference in the lives of the families Hope Harbor serves.

    • Register here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/HopeHarbor1/DessertFrenzy

Monday, May 5th

  • Marshall Area Cancer Support Group Meetings at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall at 6:00 PM

    • For patients, survivors, and caregivers looking for support

Wednesday, May 7th (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143

Thursday, May 8th - Saturday, May 10th

  • Spring 2025 Rummage Sale in Cottonwood

Saturday, May 10th
Special Community Events

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