Local grassroots coalition prepares fight against ICE

Leftist groups are organizing against ICE as city leaders say police will work with federal agents to deport criminals. I went to a meeting to learn more.

There were more than 200 people inside the Southwest Detroit church Sunday to discuss the rights of immigrants, organizers said. Photo: Samuel Robinson

Grassroots organizers in Detroit are mobilizing in response to growing fears their undocumented neighbors could be deported.

More than 200 people from across Metro Detroit gathered in a packed Southwest Detroit church Sunday to educate attendees on the rights of noncitizens facing deportation as part of what organizers called a "People’s Assembly.”

I became aware of the meeting after it was promoted by MI Students Dream; a group of metro Detroit educators, students and community members who organize to advocate for immigration justice. Many who attended were members of the Detroit branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL).

Many conversations I overheard focused on how different aspects of President Donald Trump’s deportation efforts are already being felt by those working to support the community.

Attorneys with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center have helped thousands of people navigate legal forms and translate documents while representing them in immigration court. The service was halted last week after the U.S. Department of Justice issued a stop-work order on the legal access programs.

Community members acknowledged that many are feeling frightened. Several talked about noticing what were bustling places, like the parking lot next to Sheila’s Bakery on Vernor and Springwells, sitting empty since Jan. 20.

“Everything’s empty,” one person said.

Activist leaders inside the church Sunday discussed different strategies to support undocumented residents should Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) knock on their door, before breaking into smaller groups after individuals determined where they best fit.

Those who came to one of the small groups agreed to risk arrest to physically prevent ICE agents from detaining individuals.