Detroit Immigration Task Force

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 4/44

@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters BRB - talk to you soon!

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 5/44

@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!

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 6/44

@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

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 7/44

@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Introductions are over, now on to business!

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 8/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 9/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 10/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 11/44

@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/…

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 12/44

@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."

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 13/44

@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters More details to come about Detroit ID.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 14/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 15/44

@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

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 16/44

@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters The second option was not shown.☹️

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 17/44

@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..."

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 18/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 19/44

@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Next on the agenda is a 2023 priorities discussion.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 20/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 21/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 22/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 23/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 24/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 25/44

@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters International Institute wants to expand capacity to more populations of immigrants.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 26/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 27/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 28/44

@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?"

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 29/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 30/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 31/44

@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage and @IamSamaritas have been helping to support their housing initiative.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 32/44

@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas ESL* not ESO.🙂

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 33/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 34/44

@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…

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 35/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 36/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 37/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 38/44

@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas Next up are the working group updates.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 39/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 40/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 41/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 42/44

@CityofDetroit @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @RocketMortgage @IamSamaritas Lastly, ICE/CDP group - last quarter's meeting was cancelled.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 43/44

@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.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 44/44

@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!

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By Noah Kincade 11/16/2022

Agency Information

Detroit City Council

www.detroitmi.gov

See Documenters reporting

The Detroit City Council is the legislative body of Detroit, Michigan, United States. The Council is responsible for the creation of local laws—called ordinances. Additionally they pass resolutions, motions, and the proposed city budget. The full-time council is required to meet every business day for at least 10 months of the year, with at least eight of these meetings occurring at a location besides city hall. The council may convene for special meetings at the call of the mayor or at least four members of council. Areas of responsibility for the Budget, Finance and Audit Committee include, Budget, Finance and the Auditor General.

City Council members are elected on the same cycle as the Mayor and will be elected in 2021. Seven members represent the seven council districts, while two members are elected at-large.