Detroit Evening Report: Michigan officials, civil rights organizations call for release of detained Hmong and Laotian refugees

Listen to the latest episode of the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts. Michigan elected officials and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center are urging U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to release detained refugees. Six Hmong and eight Laotian refugees were detained on July 30th after receiving a letter from ICE and reporting for what they believed was a routine check in. The refugees were transported through several sites before finally arriving in Louisiana. Immigration advocates believe that is the final stage before being deported to Laos. State Representative Mai Xiong says the U.S. does not have a memorandum of understanding with Laos, and anyone deported there could be in danger.

These individuals fled, their family members fled persecution from Laos. Their parents, in particular, were involved in the the war in the 1970s in the Vietnam War, the secret war. They were recruited by the US to fight alongside American soldiers, and so they are in imminent danger.

The Michigan Immigrations Rights Center, the Asian Law Caucus and others sent a letter to ICE urging the agency not to deport these individuals since they are not in the U.S. illegally and can face persecution for aiding the U.S. government. The letter also called for transparency in the deportation process. Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

More headlines from Monday, August 11

A new study shows Michigan teachers are among the lowest-paid in the country. Researchers at Michigan State University say the starting salary for a new teacher is almost $5000 lower than the national average. Experienced teachers earn about $3000 less than average. The report also shows Michigan teachers earn about 23% less than workers in other fields with similar levels of education and experience. Public opinion polls cited in the report show strong support for paying teachers more money. Reporting by Pat Batcheller The Hannan Center is accepting nominations for its 70 Over Seventy Awards. The honor and annual event spotlight people 70 and over who have and continue to make an impact on Detroit and Michigan. Anyone can nominate someone who is working, mentoring, creating or otherwise impacting community at hannan.org/70overseventy. Call 313-833-1300 extension 16 with questions. The Phoenix and Cielo Rooftop Detroit are hosting an alcohol-free, smoke-free, and vape-free “elevated nightlife experience” this Friday. Organizers say the 21 and over substance-free event will offer panoramic views of the Detroit skyline with a high-energy vibe and free tastings from craft mocktail makers B. Nektar and Ted Segers, who make “regal… non-alcoholic brews for serious drinkers.” The party starts with a live DJ spinning at 9pm Friday and runs to 1am, no entry fee required. Cielo Rooftop is located at 600 West Lafayette Boulevard Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.