Despite the rainy weather and muddy grounds, a powerful wave of voices filled Clark Park in southwest Detroit as nearly 200 immigrants and their supporters gathered for a rally. The event, organized by about 25 different metro Detroit groups, was a response to the growing presence of immigration agents in the area and an opportunity to highlight the invaluable contributions immigrants make to the region. With American, Mexican, Cuban, Palestinian, and LGBTQ+ Pride flags waving in the wind, the crowd stood in unity, determined to make their voices heard.
Signs filled the park with bold messages such as "Immigrants Make America Great!" and "Thank You, Immigrants! You Enrich Our Country." One particularly striking banner read, "Fuera La Migra, Papeles Pa' Todos," translating to "Get out, immigration agents! Papers for all!" The atmosphere was charged with emotion as Daniel Mata of Detroit, holding both the American and Mexican flags, led chants through a microphone, rallying the crowd with the powerful declaration: "Aquí estamos y no nos vamos!" or in English, "We are here and we're not going."
The gathering took place in a part of Detroit where anxiety has been high due to increasing immigration crackdowns. President Donald Trump’s promises of mass deportations and executive orders targeting undocumented immigrants have left many families fearful for their futures. “There’s uncertainty… a lot of hardship as a community,” said Sergio Martinez, a Detroit resident and one of the rally organizers. “People are not showing up to work, kids are afraid to go to school, families are scared to even go shopping. It’s a huge mental health crisis, especially for young people living in constant fear.”
Vanessa Sanchez, another speaker at the rally, struck a deeply patriotic tone. Addressing the crowd, she urged them to raise their American flags high, emphasizing that immigrants and Latinos are as much a part of the United States as anyone else. “We are Americans,” she declared. “We love this country. We have given so much to this country. President Trump, listen to us—many of us even voted for you. Please don’t spread hate. We belong here.” She then led the crowd in an impassioned chant of “We are American,” reinforcing the message of unity and belonging.
The protest was believed to be the largest immigration demonstration in Detroit this year. A line of Detroit police vehicles was stationed nearby, but the event remained peaceful. The crowd later transitioned from the park to the streets, marching to the beat of snare drums as they chanted, “We want ICE off our streets.” The demonstration reflected the broader concerns of the community regarding immigration enforcement, particularly in light of increased detentions and deportations.
ICE did not respond to requests for comment regarding recent arrests in metro Detroit, leaving many to wonder just how many individuals have been impacted by the intensified crackdown in Michigan. While the protest focused on immigration issues, another concern loomed over the neighborhood—a recent water main break that had left hundreds of residents without clean water. This additional hardship only reinforced the urgency of the community’s struggle.
Among those standing in solidarity was Rev. Paul Perez, lead minister at Central United Methodist Church, a historic congregation in Detroit known for its advocacy. “This is a very difficult time,” he said. “People are living in fear of mass deportations, but this community is strong. They stand resilient. We’re also here to support those suffering from the water crisis.”
The demonstration was a testament to the strength and determination of Detroit’s immigrant community. While only about 6% of Detroit’s population consists of immigrants—one of the lowest percentages among large U.S. cities—nearby suburbs have significantly higher immigrant populations. The rally sent a clear message: the people of southwest Detroit will continue to fight for their rights, their families, and their place in America.
As the event concluded, chants still echoed through the streets, banners remained held high, and the unwavering spirit of the crowd proved that their struggle is far from over. “No human is illegal,” read one sign—a reminder that the fight for immigrant rights is a fight for the very fabric of America itself.
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