DETROIT – A panel of leaders from diverse backgrounds gathered in Detroit to speak out against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids happening across the country.
They compared conditions in the U.S. with those in developing countries, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Nabih Ayad, founder of the Arab American Civil Rights League, said, “We have to stand together. We have to stand against tyranny. This is not the America we came to.”
The NAACP Detroit branch is taking a firm stance against ICE’s actions nationwide, calling attention to what they describe as untrained and unqualified agents.
They are urging Congress to reject any additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Mary Carmen Munoz, executive director of LA SED, noted, “Losses resonate within families and communities across America.”
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, president of the NAACP Detroit, highlighted the role of technology in exposing these issues.
“If we didn’t have this (holds up phone), we would not know what we know today, and my concern is all the things that have gone on when we didn’t have this,” Anthony said.
Contrasting views emerged from Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, senior pastor of 180 Church, who supports ICE’s mission.
“Well, the NAACP, they’ve done nothing for Black people that’s number one. They’re using this as a political opportunity. That’s number one. ICE is a federal agency. They’re doing their job. Now, have they missed the mark, well we all miss the mark, but they’re doing their job. They’re deporting people who are not here legally,” Sewell said.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has defended ICE officers, stating on social media, “Every single day, the men and women of DHS law enforcement are out in American cities arresting rapists, murderers, thugs, and pedophiles—despite violent agitators attacking them for doing their jobs.”
Despite national debate, NAACP Detroit members remain steadfast. Rev. Dr. Anthony said, “I’m just as concerned about my Latino brothers and sisters as I am black folk, I’m just as concerned about Arab communities. We might have all come over here a different way, but we are on the same day right now and we all have to stand up and address this. Let’s not wait till our neck is under the guillotine to see that it’s time to pull it out.”
Efforts to reach Michigan congressional representatives Tim Walberg, Lisa McClain, Tom Barrett, John James, and the Michigan GOP for comment were unsuccessful.