How we respond

People across the country are responding to the attack on immigrants. Faced with a militarized assault on our communities, people are demonstrating a courage rooted in compassion.  They are refusing to cooperate with federal officials, drawing upon constitutional protections, faith, and local support. 

In an open meeting Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District said, “This district, through its sanctuary district policy and its evolution of that, is not going to let ICE in our buildings without a warrant. We are not going to give records to the federal government, to immigration officials. We are going to be true to our core values — students first." 

Along with these words, Vitti has sent “Know Your Rights” information home with students, has been preparing staff for protecting students, and has set up systems to make sure he is aware of any efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection officials to enter buildings. 

Vitti is not alone in this stand. Ferndale and Grand Rapids have not only been reassuring their families and staff but are providing direct training on the legal rights of people to resist immigration officials.

In the face of highly orchestrated, photo op efforts to arrest people in targeted cities, people are resisting. Democracy Now reported:

People aren’t just standing by amidst this intensifying, militarized attack on immigrants. Years of organizing, educating and empowering people to defend themselves from racist immigration policies are showing results. Trump’s so-called border czar Tom Homan appeared on CNN, lamenting the degree of organization among immigrant communities:

“Sanctuary cities are making it very difficult to arrest the criminals. For instance, Chicago, very well educated. They’ve been educated how to defy ICE, how to hide from ICE.”

Teachers have been joined by priests in their public resistance. The Catholic Church in Michigan issued a strong statement of support for immigrant rights, affirming the dignity of all people, and calling for a pathway to citizenship. The statement also criticized the use of hate-filled rhetoric by public officials. The letter emphasized the teachings of the Church saying,

Our fraternal closeness to you and other immigrants, refugees, and those seeking humanitarian asylum is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, where we find 'I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me … Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me' (Matthew 25:35,40)," 

The Archdiocese of Detroit sent this message to more than 200 parishes and invited each local church to place it in their bulletins. The Diocese also provided resources on teachings on immigration. 

In spite of threats about using the Department of Justice, public officials and police chiefs are making clear that they will not cooperate in assaulting communities and rounding up people.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and City Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero have been offering support to their constituents. They have been especially vocal in humanizing the impact on people of the kind of policies the President is encouraging. Speaking at a joint press conference in Patton Park, Representative Tlaib said:

"When you see a child go home to an empty house and a neighbor comes out and says, 'I'm sorry, but immigration came and took your parents,' do you know that child ends up in foster care, separated from their family members? I've seen it."

"I want all the immigrant families to know: We are going to prepare you to know ... where your child is going. We're not going to let them separate our families, divide us, militarize our communities, where we have to carry documents all the time, worried about being stopped. We're going to make sure that you know your rights, and we're going to fight for you."

In sharp contrast, Mayor Mike Duggan has demonstrated a complete lack of moral courage. In a pale imitation of Mark Zuckerberg, he rushed to bend over and kiss the ring of Trump. 

Fascism feeds on fear and isolation. We need to support and encourage every act that reminds us of our obligations to each other, of our capacity to choose how we respond to dangerous times.