Tensions are rising in the wake of the latest actions by United States immigration officials in southeastern Michigan that has reportedly resulted in dozens of Iraqi Christians being roundup. It is feared that, if deported, the Chaldean Christians will face a certain death in Iraq.
According to CNN, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents (ICE) seized individuals in Detroit as part of a larger immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. Those arrested in Michigan are believed to have been living in the United States with their families for many years.
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ICE claims that of the 114 people arrested in Detroit, many represent a “very real public safety threat.” As The Christian Post reported, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a class action lawsuit on Thursday to stop the deportation of five Christians and two Muslims. The ACLU is arguing it is illegal to deport the detainees without knowing whether they will face torture or death in Iraq.
“Not only is it immortal to send people to a country where there are likely to be violently persecuted, it expressly violates United States and international law and treaties,” said Kary Moss, executive director for the ACLU Michigan.
On Friday, Evangelical leader the Rev. Franklin Graham expressed his concern about the “very disturbing” reports on Facebook. While he admitted that illegal immigration is a serious problem in the U.S., he implored the president to ensure these particular cases are thoroughly examined before any deportation decisions are made.
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinGraham/posts/1540602509329258
“I find it very disturbing what I have read about Chaldean Christians being rounded up by U.S. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) for possible deportation. I would encourage the president to have someone investigate these cases thoroughly,” he shared. “I understand a policy of deporting people who are here illegally and have broken the law. I don’t know all of the details, but I would encourage our president to give great consideration to the threat to lives of Christians in countries like Iraq.”
(h/t The Christian Post)
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