A federal judge in Detroit will hear arguments today about alleged strong-arm tactics against Iraqi detainees.
The ACLU represents several hundred Iraqi immigrants who face deportation orders for crimes – many of which were committed years ago and for which sentences were already served.
The ACLU of Michigan says immigration agents are telling detainees if they don’t sign a document saying they want to go back to Iraq, they’ll be criminally prosecuted – and detained indefinitely.
“That is absolutely appalling strong-arm tactics,” said ACLU attorney Miriam Aukerman.
Aukerman says the ACLU also wants the judge to make sure they are able to speak to their clients – some of whom have already signed the document.
Many of the detainees are Christians who face religious persecution if they return to Iraq.