⚖️ ICE releases McFarland asylum seeker

⚖️ McFarland Resident Freed By ICE

• Cuban asylum seeker Miguel Jerez Robles returned home to McFarland last week after being held for a month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.
• Jerez, who came to America in 2022, was arrested by ICE agents in May in a Florida courthouse after his asylum case was abruptly dismissed by an immigration judge. His arrest was part of a wave of controversial arrests by ICE agents at courthouses.
• Jerez said he doesn’t know why he was released any more than why he was arrested, but his family credits the work of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and attention brought by news coverage. [Cap Times]

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Flags Torn Down at University-Area Church

• Madison Police are investigating after a church near the UW-Madison campus reported that the rainbow pride flags that were hanging outside had been torn down.
• Police did not identify the church, which says that the flags were likely taken down between mid-May and early June.
• Related: At first glance, Madison is a pretty accepting city. But how queer friendly is it, really? [News 3, 🎧City Cast Madison]

🍹 Mariner’s Inn Will End 59-Year Voyage This Summer

• Mariner’s Inn, which has been serving Pink Squirrels and fish sandwiches with a beautiful view of the Yahara River since 1961, will close Aug. 30.
• The north side waterfront restaurant is currently owned by brothers Bill and Jack von Rutenberg, who took over for their parents who founded the restaurant. The brothers are now retiring and have sold the property. But not all is lost, the buyer said they plan to include a restaurant as part of the redevelopment plan. [Madison Magazine]

Meet Donnie! He’s a three-year-old shepherd mix who has come to Madison after being rescued from an overcrowded shelter in Texas. Donnie can be a bit shy when meeting new people or trying new things. Once he warms up, he turns into a total snugglebug. He’s playful and goofy, but sometimes lets his excitement get the better of him and is still working on his manners. Donnie would love to come home with a patient adopter who can keep helping him learn and build up his confidence.