Live reporting by
Ashley Williams
Task force finalizes official name and logo; begins to consider subcommittees. Discussion on updates to the recently halted Detroit ID program.
Ashley Williams
@williams_ashsue
Hey, Detroiters!👋
I’ll be live-tweeting the @CityofDetroit Immigration Task Force Quarterly Meeting today at 4:00 PM for #DETdocumenters.
@media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DETdocumenters
I’ll be live-tweeting the @CityofDetroit Immigration Task Force Quarterly Meeting today at 4:00 PM for #DETdocumenters.
@media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DETdocumenters
02:03 PM Nov 16, 2022 CST
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters All of these meetings are held virtually. Come back right before 4:00 PM for the Zoom link! Will share here.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters ‼️ IMPORTANT: If you believe anything in the coverage tonight is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters BRB - talk to you soon!
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Back with #DETdocumenters! They are giving everyone just a minute to join. I'm sure we'll get started shortly!
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Unfortunately, the agenda was attached to the direct meeting invite, which I don't have. But, the group is starting to do introductions! https://t.co/yp6N34pgoo
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Introductions are over, now on to business!
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters All City Council formal sessions now will have ASL and Spanish translators. Working on other languages, including Arabic. They are working on funding to spread these services to more public meetings, as well.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters In May, there were plans for the city to use a vendor that uses databases accessible to ICE. Was a huge concern for local community, and the task force asked the city to discontinue the use of this vendor.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Took 2 months to get the project paused (end of July), the administration agreed to pause program and discontinue vendor relationship.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters This is related to the Detroit ID program. Here is a little more background 👇 michiganradio.org/public-safety/…
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Says this whole process has not been easy with the city, have had requests ignored and the city has moved slowly on getting this problem corrected. "Not a high point of the city's immigration position."
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters More details to come about Detroit ID.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters There are rumors that there will be an influx of asylum-seekers and the city is working on a contingency plan. Any inquiries or credible information regarding this should be shared with the task force to help them prepare to meet the potential need.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters The task force shares potential logo options for the group. Here is option #1: https://t.co/TLFQlE3t97
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters The second option was not shown.☹️
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Conversations about whether "Detroit City Council Immigration Task Force" or "City of Detroit Immigration Task Force" should be used. Since City Council gives the task force it's authority, the group is leaning toward "Detroit City Council..."
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters A motion was made to vote on the topic, and the group decided "Detroit City Council Immigration Task Force." A final design will be created and sent to the task force members.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Next on the agenda is a 2023 priorities discussion.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters The co-chair posed the question to the group "what are your organizations are passionate about/working on?" Sub-committees could then form around these topics.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Language access coordination (and corresponding job openings) will be coming for 2023. There is also a need for legal services for people coming to Michigan.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Want to start thinking about legislative priorities they can rally behind with Michigan being controlled by the Democratic party after this year's election.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Islam Center of Detroit priorities include opening a youth/community center, and mental health services. Fairlane Club has been acquired.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Global Detroit's 2023 priorities include supporting immigrant small business owners, inclusion and development processes, and a statewide talent retention program.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters International Institute wants to expand capacity to more populations of immigrants.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Michigan Immigrant Rights Center - mostly focusing statewide. Driver's licenses for all, expanding legal services, legislation/policy around misdemeanors and whether that is grounds for deportation, etc.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Since October 2020, standard Michigan licenses that are not REALID compliant, became invalid for official federal purposes (ie airport). MIRC is working on this issue for non-citizen individuals.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Another question posed to the group - "What kind of work do you see for task force members working together on a specific priority? Are there opportunities to collaborate?"
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Next up is an update from Roberto Torres, Director of Immigrant Affairs and Economic Inclusion.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters ESO instruction for immigrant refuges - 351 have been settled in Detroit. Remain steady at that number. $1.5 rental assistance secured through Feb/Mar 2023.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage and @IamSamaritas have been helping to support their housing initiative.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas Legal office just opened at the International Institute - brought in for USCRI.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas Here are a few ESL resources from the City of Detroit website - detroitmi.gov/government/may…
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas No official plans by DHS and ICE to move immigrants to states, but several city offices are getting calls - calling it a phishing expedition. Sounds like a call is going to be made again to DHS regarding this issue.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas ICE and CDP are working closely with Detroit emergency services. A local contingency plan is in place to manage an influx of immigrants, should it happen. Important because unsure of level of information being shared between the ICE/CDP/emergency services partnership.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas Detroit Immigrant Fund update - when the idea was first created, there were no competing initiatives. Want to make sure they are considering ongoing programs. Need to flesh out a plan to address need for resources for immigrant and refugee initiatives.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas Next up are the working group updates.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas Comms & Events group - need to rethink how to put this group in motion. No updates.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas External Relations - thank you for those who joined in efforts to meet with stakeholders, including council members and city departments. Surpassed initial goal, but have a few more meetings they want to have. Still following up with DWSD, DON, etc.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas Upcoming event - Dec 8, virtual. Focus on tea, tea cultures and traditions in Detroit. Longtime resident and newcomer guest speakers. Conversations will be focused around what it means to be a Detroiter.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas Lastly, ICE/CDP group - last quarter's meeting was cancelled.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas New York (20000) and Illinois (3000-4000) have received many people from the southern border, but that is not necessarily their final destination. They are able to move freely, could end up in Michigan.
@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas The meeting was adjourned at 5:49 PM. For more meeting coverage, check out documenters.org. Thanks for following along!