Ross and Dirksen founded a hemp security business that was hired to protect the product en route from Kentucky to Colorado.

Warsame, in America on a green card, is studying at a small college in Ohio. He intends to go to Ohio State University and major in public administration. He said learning is more to him than just finding a good job — it’s about being an educated man and helping others.

After college he is considering returning home to Somalia to become a professor.

“I, personally, try to ignore this whole experience because it doesn’t make sense if I think about it,” Warsame said.

Deneke, a U.S. citizen, is living temporarily in Ohio with his adult daughter. He has a mortgage that was in jeopardy if he remained locked up and a wife back home in Ethiopia to whom he regularly sends money.

Deneke and his daughter left problems behind in Africa. He said they didn’t come to the United States to make problems.

“She was really scared, and I also was very worried about my daughter,” Deneke said. “She is no more scared.”