Concerns are rising in Detroit after City Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero warned of potential ICE activity in the area. In a series of Instagram posts and videos cited by Local 4 News, Santiago-Romero expressed urgency about the situation. "I think it’s good that folks know what’s happening right now in Detroit," Santiago-Romero stated, mentioning reports of ICE "going through our neighborhoods." Despite her attempts to verify the incidents, the patrols were no longer present by the time she arrived. Tensions have escalated following President Trump's executive actions on deportation.
Amid the community's anxiety, Santiago-Romero underscored residents' rights in encounters with ICE agents. Claiming that the agents should not enter businesses or private homes without a judge-signed warrant and doors can be kept closed, Santiago-Romero aimed to inform the public, "It's going to be important that every Detroit resident knows, regardless of their immigration status, that undocumented immigrants have rights," she explained, as reported by The Detroit News. Efforts are being made to educate the community with "Know Your Rights" training targeted, next month, toward Arabic speakers.
The actions of the Trump administration, including ending protections for undocumented immigrants at sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals, are feared to trigger community-wide trauma. Reverend Paul Perez of Central United Methodist Church confirmed the church's sanctuary status in a conversation with Local 4 News, stating, "Central United Methodist Church is going to be committed to being a sanctuary for all." The church has a history of providing refuge to asylum-seeking families and is determined to uphold this mission despite the policy changes.
As the reports spread, activists and community organizations prepare to support those impacted. Santiago-Romero, acting in anticipation of increased federal actions, is setting up a watch and communications group via WhatsApp to alert residents about potential raids, according to a statement obtained by The Detroit News. Local leaders are stepping up, recognizing that communities themselves may be the frontline defense for immigrant rights. "Unfortunately, the government is not going to be the front line of protection here," Santiago-Romero told the Detroit Free Press. "It's going to be our community members. It's going to be our churches, our schools, our hospitals. It's going to be everyday people." Meanwhile, legal actions are mounting against the administration's measures, with ACLU of Michigan filing a lawsuit to challenge ICE's practices of withholding public information on detained immigrants.
