The number of Iraqi Christian immigrants recently arrested by Donald Trump’s deportation force in the Detroit area could be as high as 100, with local community advocates warning that these deportations could mean a “death sentence” for immigrants. “If he gets sent back to Iraq,” said Julian Shamoun, whose brother is being detained, “he is being sent back to a country where a genocide is going on. We’re Christian.” And, according to Think Progress, even more ICE sweeps are expected in the next few weeks:
ICE’s Detroit field office claimed in a statement to ThinkProgress that all of those arrested had criminal convictions such as “homicide, rape, aggravated assault” and others. But reports abound of ICE detaining people who lack criminals records, or whose crimes primarily involve immigration violations.
Regardless, advocates say many Chaldeans arrested by ICE already served their sentences for smaller crimes years ago, and that sending them back to Iraq will only expose them to persecution.
“There are laws that pertain to deportation, but there also laws that pertain to human rights,” Martin Manna, president of the Chaldean Community Foundation, told ThinkProgress. “The conditions in Iraq have worsened, they have not improved, especially for Christians.”
“While ICE raids are becoming increasingly common under Trump’s administration,” notes Think Progress, “the mass detention of Iraqi Christians is peculiar in that it appears to be wrapped up in politics surrounding the stalled Muslim Ban.” In the negotiations involving Iraq getting cut from the second (and failed) version, the nation’s officials ultimately agreed to “take back Iraqi nationals living in the U.S. who are subject to final orders of removal.” Yup, Trump loves his deals, but this one could ultimately mean the persecuted Christians he said he would protect getting shipped off to possible death.
Advocates plan on filing a class action suit this week to stop the deportations, and this week rallied in support of detained family members:
People of various faiths – many personally affected by the raids – huddled in a tight circle as they listened to Driver and then others take the bullhorn and share their stories.
Vosta Zaia, whose father was detained over the weekend, decided not to speak publicly but approached [Shanta Driver, the lead attorney for BAMN (By Any Means Necessary)] after the conference. She wanted to know if her dad, who was not home when ICE first arrived at their house, would have an easier time staying in the States since he turned himself in. Driver told her no.
Protesters stood along Michigan Avenue and chanted. “Stop deportations, bring our families home,” they sang. Police stepped in when members of BAMN encouraged protesters to walk further into the street, saying they were OK with a calm protest but would arrest anyone who disrupted traffic. The confrontation was quelled quickly, however, with people agreeing to keep the gathering peaceful.
"We aren't out here to insult anybody, we’re here to get our families back,” Rafi Yousuf, 21, of Warren told the Free Press.
Jeremy Courtney, executive director of refugee group Preemptive Love Coalition: “Our president—elected with the overwhelming support of white evangelicals—has repeatedly pledged to champion the cause of persecuted Christians, especially those from the Middle East. Yet in this case, his policies could inadvertently contribute to the persecution of Christians.”
“Yes, the rule of law matters,” he continued. “Yes, people should face the consequences of their actions. These Iraqis who’ve long lived in America have. But what about mercy? What about paying your debt and getting a new start, with your family by your side?”
Thursday, Jun 15, 2017 · 9:47:47 PM +00:00 · Gabe Ortiz
According to Huffington Post, the ACLU has filed a class action lawsuit urging the court to hold a hearing so that detainees may testify “about what they could face in the war-torn nation” of Iraq:
“Not only is it immoral to send people to a country where they are likely to be violently persecuted, it expressly violates United States and international law and treaties,” said Kary Moss, the executive director of the ACLU of Michigan.
“We are hoping that the courts will recognize the extreme danger that deportation to Iraq would pose for these individuals,” she added. “Our immigration policy shouldn’t amount to a death sentence for anyone.”