Detroit Evening Report: Judge approves settlement in 7-year lawsuit challenging detention of Iraqi nationals

The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced Wednesday it won a nationwide lawsuit after a seven-year legal battle to prevent family separation, detention and deportation on behalf of Iraqi nationals.

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The class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of 1,400 Iraqis — many who were arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to be deported immediately.

ACLU Michigan said in a news release the settlement prevents indefinite detainment and protects people from old removal orders when they seek to change their immigration status. 

“We are proud that our work helped stop the needless detention and deportation of hundreds of people, who otherwise would have been separated from their families,” said Miriam Aukerman, senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Michigan, in a statement. “Too often, immigrants are locked up for months or years for absolutely no reason other than they want what so many of us have already, the chance to build a life in America. The settlement will make it easier for them to do that.”    

The lawsuit was filed in 2017 due to the mass arrests of Iraqi nationals over technical immigration violations or past convictions. The Iraqi government did not process travel documents for deportation, leaving people vulnerable. Many of the people had not lived in Iraq for decades.

A deportation could result in torture or death due to changing conditions in Iraq. The class action lawsuit allowed detainees to be released and pursue other legal avenues for immigration status, such as allowing them to file for asylum or citizenship.

The lawsuit, Hamama v. Adducci, was filed against ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. attorney general in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Other headlines for Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024:

• The Michigan Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) has issued a new report stating there’s a surge in anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate in the state.
• The Detroit Water and Sewer Department launched a new EasyPay plan to help residents pay off past due water service balances.
• A Community Wellness Fair offering free resources and family fun will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Northwest Activities Center Field Immunizations, voter registration, job requirement and HeadStart enrollment will be available. Additionally, there will be free haircuts, book bags and food.
• The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights and the Michigan Carpenters of African Descent is hosting a back-to-school and back-to-work community cookout on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Union Carpenter & Millwright Training Center in Detroit, featuring food vendors, a school supplies giveaway and entertainment.
• The 43rd annual Dearborn Homecoming Festival is taking place this weekend, Aug. 2-4, at Ford Field Park.

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