Update concerning immigration arrests in Ypsilanti

Wednesday I reported that WICIR stated that reports had been made regarding immigration arrests in Ypsilanti. Reports were that ICE arrested immigrants in Ypsilanti early Wednesday morning.

As of Thursday afternoon The Ann Arbor News/mlive has confirmed that four people were taken into custody by ICE "who were here illegally" according to a quote in the mlive article.

Wednesday the organization WICIR (Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights) sent out an alert on their facebook page regarding arrests made by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in Ypsilanti.

Many residents in Ypsilanti are understandably upset, concerned and anxious about these arrests and seemingly much more aggressive Trump immigration policies. Many individuals have taken to social media to express their anxiety in relation to what appears to be greatly stepped up immigration arrests locally and nationally.

WICIR has posted a very valuable video on its facebook page produced by Michigan Immigrant Rights Center titled Family Preparedness "Train the Trainers. According the post, "The video is designed to give background and an orientation to members of the community who would like to share "Know Your Rights" and other information to prepare for encounters with immigration enforcement."  According to Michigan Immigrant Rights Center the goal of the video to prepare immigrants to know their rights and provide information in communities effected by immigration enforcement. In these times this information is much needed.

Jeff Brown
Founder/Editor
Purple Walrus Press.