Amid growing concerns over recent detentions, the Detroit community is calling for stronger district support for immigrant students. This appeal comes as four students from Western International High School remain in federal custody, intensifying the push for comprehensive protection measures.
During a Detroit Public Schools Community District board meeting, Superintendent Nikolai Vitti announced plans to issue a statement advocating for the release of the detained students. “These continue to be troubling times for the district and our immigrant population,” Vitti remarked, urging the federal government to prioritize more pressing societal issues over targeting immigrants.
Despite assurances, community members demanded more decisive action, including mandatory staff training and improved transportation and counseling for students facing immigration-related challenges.
Heidi West, a teacher at Academy of the Americas, urged the board, “It’s time to stop being scared. Speak up strongly and publicly.”
‘Shattered dreams’ for students detained by ICE
The detained students, all with pending asylum cases, represent a fraction of those affected by recent immigration enforcement efforts. Among them is Mor Ba, a recent graduate from Senegal who was pursuing college applications the night before his arrest. “He was the embodiment of the American dream,” said Adja Ndoye from the African Bureau for Immigrants and Social Affairs.
Ba, who was taken into custody after a case of mistaken identity, is now held at Northlake Correctional Facility in Baldwin. His court date is set for early next year.
Another student, Santiago Jesus Zamora Perez, a 17-year-old aspiring baseball player from Venezuela, was detained alongside his mother during a traffic stop. Teachers describe him as a star athlete with bright prospects.
Kerly Mariangel Sosa Rivero and her cousin Antony Janier Peña Sosa, both 16 and from Venezuela, were taken into custody during a federal raid. The teens, described as talented and driven, were sent to facilities in Texas.
Past incidents include Maykol Bogoya-Duarte, a former student deported to Colombia after being detained in May, just shy of completing his high school credits.
Teachers want more resources, training
Educators and advocates are pushing for the district to enhance its “Sanctuary District” policy, initially set in 2019, and implement comprehensive training for staff on handling interactions with immigration authorities. Alexander Cintron, who directs the newcomer program at Western International, noted the toll on student attendance and mental health.
Concerns extend to the classroom, where teachers struggle to address the anxiety of students fearing detainment. “How do you teach someone who had family members yanked from them?” asked one educator, choosing to remain anonymous.
Advocacy groups stress the importance of schools in disseminating crucial information. Christine Sauvé from the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center noted, “We get so many calls from teachers who say they’re not hearing information from their leadership.”
Seydi Sarr of the African Bureau for Immigrants and Social Affairs urged district leaders to leverage their influence, advocating for parents and engaging with state lawmakers.
Calls for action include establishing a legal support hotline, distributing “Know Your Rights” cards, and enabling student protests. Although board members did not respond during the meeting, Chair Corletta Vaughn promised a public statement by week’s end.
The district serves over 7,400 English learners, with Western International accommodating a significant portion of the high school newcomers. This underscores the urgency for district-wide measures to support this vulnerable student population.
