Chaldean, Iraqi communities across Metro Detroit scramble to act following ICE detentions

On Monday June 12, dozens gathered outside the Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church in Southfield to protest a recent wave of ICE raids that targeted, captured and detained dozens of Iraqi immigrants at multiple locations across Metro Detroit, including local churches, homes and even a hospital. Shocked and outraged by the seizure of individuals from communities including Sterling Heights, Warren, Southfield, Oak Park and Dearborn, impacted family members rallied around the ICE detention facility in Detroit Sunday evening, where large white buses carrying the detainees were departing. Numerous Michigan lawmakers, including Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) Reps. John Conyers (D-Detroit), Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn), Dan Kildee (D-Flint), Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield), and John Moolenaar (R-Midland), wrote to Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, requesting that Kelly immediately send a copy of the U.S. government’s agreement with Iraq so that Congress can review its terms. They followed up their request by asking for subsequent direction on measures to take to ensure the detainees safety.