Detroit Clergy Lead Hundreds in ICE Protest, Demand Clear ID and Communication
A procession led by Catholic clergy and hundreds of lay faithful gathered in Detroit to protest immigration enforcement practices. They aimed to deliver a letter to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Field Office, highlighting concerns about lack of clear identification of ICE agents, communication with local law enforcement, and detainment of non-felons.
The event was organized by Strangers No Longer, a Catholic grassroots organization, and was led by Father David Buersmeyer, its chaplain, and Judith Brooks, its board president. The procession carried banners representing their parish's 'Circle of Support', which educates about immigrants' lives, accompanies migrants to appointments, and advocates for a just immigration system.
Father Buersmeyer stated that the procession was based on basic moral principles from Catholic social teaching and was not a political or partisan action. The assembly prayed for those affected by recent immigration raids, sang a hymn of solidarity with all immigrants and migrants, and read aloud the names of deported locals. Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger addressed the assembly, offering a prayer and emphasizing the dignity and worth of all persons. Despite attempts to deliver the letter, Father Buersmeyer and Judith Brooks were turned away from the ICE Field Office.
The group plans to find other ways to deliver their letter, possibly through local congressional leaders. The procession was a peaceful demonstration of the community's concerns about immigration enforcement practices and a show of solidarity with immigrants and migrants.
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