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Detroit Judge To Hear Motion Against Federal Immigration Authorities Today

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A federal judge in Detroit will hear arguments today about alleged strong-arm tactics against Iraqi detainees. 

The ACLU represents several hundred Iraqi immigrants who face deportation orders for crimes – many of which were committed years ago and for which sentences were already served.  The ACLU of Michigansays immigration agents are telling detainees if they don’t sign a document saying they want to go back to Iraq, they’ll be criminally prosecuted – and detained indefinitely. 

Miriam Aukerman is an ACLU attorney.

“That is absolutely appalling strong-arm tactics.”

Aukerman says the ACLU also wants the judge to make sure they are able to speak to their clients – some of whom have already signed the document.  Many of the detainees are Christians who face religious persecution if they return to Iraq.

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—Cheyna Roth is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network.  Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org

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