MUA/MU in the News: Our Own Diego Bonesatti Discusses Immigrant Apprehension in The Detroit News
US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib speaking at a press conference with Michigan immigration rights leaders on January 30, 2025.
Our own Diego Bonesatti was quoted in a Detroit News article discussing the apprehension immigrants feel today. Titled "Grassroots networks created to resist deportations in Metro Detroit", you can read an extended excerpt below.
Detroit resident Brianna Bryant has raised more than $700 online in a week to buy diapers, toilet paper, tampons, laundry detergent and other household items that she will donate to anyone whose life has been disrupted by an immigration arrest or deportation raid.
She was grateful that a nonprofit donated dog and cat food. Another group donated scarves and gloves. "I will even go grocery shopping for someone if they are too afraid," Bryant said. The 23-year-old started her efforts simply "to help," she said, and is not acting on behalf of any organization.
As the Trump administration vows an unprecedented number of immigration arrests and raids nationwide, a growing local network of residents and groups, particularly in southwest Detroit and Dearborn, is emerging to combat those efforts...
Apprehension in local communities
A chilling effect is being felt in local immigrant communities, many contend. Detroit City Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero said Wednesday she is getting reports from schools and businesses in southwest Detroit that students are staying home and workers are not showing up for their jobs.
Many immigrants are "mixed-status" families, with some members having permanent residence while others are awaiting their applications to be approved for citizenship or some other status, said Diego Bonesatti, director of legal services for Michigan United, an organization that works with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
"It's not like there's a neat incision that ICE can make and affect only undocumented immigrants," Bonesatti said. "There's a lot of people who are going to be hurt."....
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News & Media
January 31, 2025
Detroit, Immigrant Rights, Immigration, Legal Services, Movement Politics, Statewide
