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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville family says they are looking for answers after their loved one, who co-owns a Springfield coffee shop, was taken into federal custody last week.
According to documents obtained by First Coast News, Diana Mejia was arrested on Aug. 2 at a Dollar General in St. Augustine. A St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office report says she was charged with trespassing and resisting an officer without violence after deputies said she refused to leave the store and did not comply with commands.
The report states Mejia was yelling at customers in English and Spanish and had been told to leave by store staff before deputies were called.
First Coast News through court documents that Mejia was transferred into the custody of the Department of Homeland Security. A report says she was issued because she either lacks legal immigration status or is considered “removable” under U.S. law.
Mejia co-owns Artessense Coffee Shop in Springfield with her husband. Her family says she has been dealing with mental health challenges and that they were trying to get her help before her arrest. It has not been confirmed if police knew about this at the time.
Her daughter, Sharis, said the situation has impacted their ability to operate the business.
“It’s not easy. We can open some days and some days we can’t,” Sharis said.
Sharis said Mejia prepares the food at the shop, and they plan to reopen later this week.
“The community has supported us so much. We are so glad they are here for us, but it’s still hard to come to work,” she said.
First Coast News reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more details on Mejia’s case but has not yet heard back.
“I feel upset, but I have to be strong because my family is going through it,” Sharis said.