Michigan Immigrants Face Increasingly Deceptive Detention Tactics Under ICE, Say Lawyers
In a disturbing trend, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have shifted towards more aggressive, covert, and deceptive tactics to detain immigrants in Michigan. According to immigration attorneys, these tactics include making arrests during routine traffic stops, marriage-based green card interviews, and even at home without warrants.
Herman Dhade, the president of the Detroit Immigration Law Firm, has seen firsthand the devastating impact of these tactics on families. "I got a call a few weeks ago," he says, describing a case where a husband was detained in front of his wife's eyes during a marriage-based green card interview. "Could you imagine being a newlywed and you're a U.S. citizen or green card holder and you fall in love and get married, and then there is literally a trap set up?"
Dhade notes that ICE agents often use administrative immigration documents to justify entry into homes, which may appear official but do not have the same weight as a federal court warrant. "Immigrants aren't going to know this subtlety, and ICE are taking advantage of that," he says. "It's very deceptive."
ICE agents also employ intimidation tactics, including aggressive behavior and the use of force to enter homes without warrants. Dhade describes clients who have been detained despite having no criminal record, work permits, or U.S.-citizen spouses.
"These guys are aggressive and commanding," Dhade says. "They are going to scare the daylight out of who they are raiding. That's a tactic." He notes that nearly three-quarters of immigrants arrested by ICE in Michigan have no criminal convictions.
The new tactics under ICE have raised concerns about the agency's approach to entering homes, which is unconstitutional and puts families at risk. Immigration activists and lawyers say the new directive directly undermines previous guidance advising immigrants not to open the door without a warrant signed by a judge.
Dhade advises families to plan ahead, keep key documents accessible, and make sure loved ones know who to call in case of an enforcement raid. "People should take this seriously," he says.
The expansion of ICE's authority to enter homes has sparked criticism from lawmakers and immigration advocates. They argue that these tactics are wasteful, expensive, and target families who are trying to follow the law.
Since a judge determined the man's country of origin is too dangerous, "they're trying to find a random country to import him," Dhade says. The lawyer warns that ICE's tactics can lead to family separation, putting loved ones at risk.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for families in Michigan to be aware of these changes and take steps to protect themselves.
In a disturbing trend, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have shifted towards more aggressive, covert, and deceptive tactics to detain immigrants in Michigan. According to immigration attorneys, these tactics include making arrests during routine traffic stops, marriage-based green card interviews, and even at home without warrants.
Herman Dhade, the president of the Detroit Immigration Law Firm, has seen firsthand the devastating impact of these tactics on families. "I got a call a few weeks ago," he says, describing a case where a husband was detained in front of his wife's eyes during a marriage-based green card interview. "Could you imagine being a newlywed and you're a U.S. citizen or green card holder and you fall in love and get married, and then there is literally a trap set up?"
Dhade notes that ICE agents often use administrative immigration documents to justify entry into homes, which may appear official but do not have the same weight as a federal court warrant. "Immigrants aren't going to know this subtlety, and ICE are taking advantage of that," he says. "It's very deceptive."
ICE agents also employ intimidation tactics, including aggressive behavior and the use of force to enter homes without warrants. Dhade describes clients who have been detained despite having no criminal record, work permits, or U.S.-citizen spouses.
"These guys are aggressive and commanding," Dhade says. "They are going to scare the daylight out of who they are raiding. That's a tactic." He notes that nearly three-quarters of immigrants arrested by ICE in Michigan have no criminal convictions.
The new tactics under ICE have raised concerns about the agency's approach to entering homes, which is unconstitutional and puts families at risk. Immigration activists and lawyers say the new directive directly undermines previous guidance advising immigrants not to open the door without a warrant signed by a judge.
Dhade advises families to plan ahead, keep key documents accessible, and make sure loved ones know who to call in case of an enforcement raid. "People should take this seriously," he says.
The expansion of ICE's authority to enter homes has sparked criticism from lawmakers and immigration advocates. They argue that these tactics are wasteful, expensive, and target families who are trying to follow the law.
Since a judge determined the man's country of origin is too dangerous, "they're trying to find a random country to import him," Dhade says. The lawyer warns that ICE's tactics can lead to family separation, putting loved ones at risk.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for families in Michigan to be aware of these changes and take steps to protect themselves.