News Summary
Diana Mejia, co-owner of Artessense Coffee Shop, was arrested in St. Augustine on trespassing charges and is now in federal custody. Her family faces operational challenges as they navigate her uncertain immigration status and mental health issues. The local community is showing support during this difficult time, highlighting the strong connections formed by the coffee shop in Springfield. The situation has also triggered heightened tensions around immigration policies in Jacksonville, affecting community dynamics.
Jacksonville – Diana Mejia, co-owner of Artessense Coffee Shop in Springfield, was taken into federal custody on August 2 after a series of troubling events in St. Augustine, Florida. Mejia was arrested at a Dollar General store on charges of trespassing and resisting an officer without violence. Witnesses reported that Mejia had been yelling at customers in both English and Spanish, prompting store staff to call law enforcement after she refused to leave when asked.
Upon her arrest, Mejia’s circumstances worsened as she was transferred into the custody of the Department of Homeland Security due to her lack of legal immigration status, which has resulted in her being classified as “removable” under U.S. law. This development has raised concerns among her family, who have highlighted that Mejia struggles with mental health challenges and was actively seeking help prior to her interaction with law enforcement.
Mejia’s daughter, Sharis, expressed the significant impact her mother’s arrest has had on their ability to operate the coffee shop. She explained the operational difficulties they are facing, stating the shop can open some days but not others due to the uncertainty surrounding Mejia’s situation. As the main person responsible for food preparation, Mejia’s absence poses challenges for the family-run business, though they have expressed intentions to reopen later in the week.
The local community has rallied around the Mejia family during this challenging time. Various supporters have shown solidarity, underlining the extensive relationships the coffee shop has built within Springfield. The ongoing developments regarding Mejia’s immigration status and potential future remain uncertain, and inquiries into her case have been directed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but responses have yet to be provided.
In a related matter, Jacksonville’s law enforcement is on high alert due to rising tensions surrounding immigration policies. A separate incident involved a man named Zachary Degross, who was arrested for threatening to run over protesters opposing Trump’s immigration stance. Degross made a concerning social media post declaring intentions to harm individuals participating in the protest, which led to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office acting on tips from the public that initiated an investigation into these threats.
This series of events illustrates the current climate in Jacksonville, where activism related to immigration policies has become increasingly vocal. As advocacy continues, the local community is left to navigate the implications of federal actions amidst ongoing protests and heightened law enforcement presence.
As the Mejia family seeks to overcome the challenges following Diana’s arrest, community support remains crucial in their efforts to maintain the business while addressing their family’s urgent needs. The fate of Diana Mejia rests in the hands of federal authorities, leaving many to watch closely as this story unfolds further.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Florida Coffee Shop Owner in ICE Custody
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- The New York Times: Trump and Immigration
- Google Search: Immigration Policy News
- CNY Central: Undocumented Arrest in Jacksonville
- Google Scholar: Immigration Policy
- Florida Politics: Jacksonville Man Arrested for Threatening Protesters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- Tallahassee.com: ICE Raids in Florida
- Google News: Florida Deportation Efforts
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
