UPDATE: A surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities has rattled the community in Washtenaw County, MI, raising fears of increased deportations and public safety concerns. Local officials are now on high alert following a crackdown that has seen over 1,000 arrests in nearby Chicago since early September, according to The Associated Press.
In a panel discussion hosted by the League of Women Voters on October 27, 2023, Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer expressed grave concerns about the potential for similar ICE operations in the area. “If you would have asked me that four months ago, I might have said, ‘No, not a chance,’” Dyer stated, as community anxiety rises. “We are in very, very troubling times with what we’re seeing happen from the national level.”
Recent reports indicate that ICE patrols have employed masked and armed agents, leading to alarming incidents, including a fatal shooting and the detainment of both immigrants and U.S. citizens without clear justification. “It’s bad,” said Melanie Harner, co-founder of the Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights (WICIR). She revealed that she personally knows of six individuals detained by ICE in the past month, many simply commuting to work.
“Imagine that kind of fear, knowing that can happen to you anytime you go out,” said Cesilie Cordovilla, a local immigration attorney, describing a harrowing incident where a couple applying for asylum had their car windows smashed by unidentified agents. The couple, who had consistently attended court hearings and held work permits, still signed deportation papers but remain in limbo, highlighting the chaos of current enforcement practices.
Authorities have noted a “chilling” effect on community interactions. Andy LaBarre of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners warned that fear of ICE has deterred residents from seeking essential services, including mental health care and food assistance. This reluctance could lead to broader public health implications, such as decreased immunization rates and heightened homelessness issues.
“It’s been a sea change…a sea change of fear and quietness,” LaBarre added. Dyer emphasized that ICE’s lack of identification during operations has contributed to public distrust. “People are scared. And people also have a distrust in law enforcement, which we have been working so hard to correct,” she noted.
Legislative measures are being considered, with Michigan House Democrats introducing a bill that would require ICE agents to display their identities during operations. Yet, Dyer stated, “They don’t have to listen,” as ICE increasingly operates with masked officers and unmarked vehicles.
The alarming trend of aggressive ICE enforcement has many in the community questioning the broader implications of these actions. LaBarre urged residents to engage in discussions about the impact of immigration policies and the importance of voting in upcoming elections. “The only way we’re going to get over this is to get through it first,” he affirmed, signaling a call to action for community involvement.
As the situation develops, local leaders are urging vigilance and preparedness among residents. “We are monitoring the situation closely,” Dyer reassured attendees at the panel. The community’s response to these escalating tensions will be crucial in the days and weeks ahead.
