Settlement Approved
A judge approved a settlement on Wednesday in a 2017 lawsuit that contested the detention of Iraqi nationals targeted for deportation during the Trump administration. The settlement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sets strict conditions for future detentions before any proposed removals, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, which involved approximately 1,400 people, arose after ICE arrested Iraqi nationals across the U.S., especially in southeastern Michigan, based on old deportation orders. Many of these individuals had been allowed to stay in the U.S. for years, holding jobs and raising families, due to Iraq’s previous reluctance to take them back.
Shift in Iraq’s Position
In 2017, Iraq’s stance seemingly changed, leading to a wave of arrests and detentions by ICE. Some detainees were held for over a year, prompting protests outside the federal courthouse in Detroit.
ACLU’s Position
The ACLU argued that deporting these individuals would put their lives at risk. The lawsuit aimed to suspend deportations and allow detainees to return to immigration court to present arguments about safety threats in Iraq.
Judge’s Rulings and Impact
U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith made key rulings in favor of the detainees. Although a higher court reversed these decisions in 2018, Goldsmith’s orders provided opportunities for some detainees to win release and return to immigration court. Some individuals were granted asylum or became U.S. citizens, while roughly 50 detainees opted to return to Iraq due to distress over prolonged detention.