Op-Ed: Detroit needs a serious plan to protect our immigrant neighbors

April 10, 2026

Following the detention and deportation of a Detroit high school student during a field trip, community organizations are urging Detroit's new mayor and City Council to allocate budget resources protecting immigrant families. The advocates argue that Detroit's historical identity has been shaped by immigrants and refugees from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to the city's development. They contend that the current immigration enforcement climate, intensified by a 2025 Supreme Court ruling permitting racial profiling and expanded surveillance technology, has created widespread fear and disruption in immigrant communities.

Who is affected

Maykol Bogoya-Duarte (detained and deported student from Western International High School)
Detroit's immigrant communities (including African, Latino, Caribbean, Asian, and Arab residents)
Students and families experiencing increased school absenteeism
Small business owners facing disruptions
Immigrant families living in Detroit for decades
Detroit residents broadly impacted by community disruption

What action is being taken

Community organizations are urging Mayor Sheffield and City Council to pass a budget with immigrant protection resources
Mayor Sheffield has appointed Elizabeth Orozco-Vasquez to run Detroit's Office of Immigrant Affairs and Economic Inclusion
Thousands of Detroiters advocated for Maykol's release (though unsuccessfully)
Immigration agents are conducting detentions across Detroit

Why it matters

This represents a fundamental test of Detroit's values and identity as a city built by immigrants and refugees across generations. The widespread fear and disruption caused by increased immigration enforcement threatens the social and economic fabric of Detroit communities, affecting education, business operations, and daily life. The outcome will determine whether Detroit's immigrant residents—many who have lived there for decades—can safely participate in civic life or will continue facing the threat of family separation without due process, and whether elected officials will fulfill promises made to marginalized communities.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com