By Steve Merritt
I’ve recently been in touch with Christine Sauve, communication officer for the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC), to better understand and be able to share with you about their work in the current political climate. MIRC is the leading provider of free legal services for immigrants in the state.
Increasing Demand for Services
Since the Trump administration took office in January of 2025, according to Suave, MIRC has received an extraordinarily high volume of inquiries. Last year, they took over 5,000 calls for legal assistance and handled 1,521 cases. They are currently receiving as many as 40 calls a week from newly detained immigrants and recently expanded their intake team to better manage the volume.
“The number of people being detained in Michigan is five times higher than previous years,” she said. Many detentions result from the increased involvement of local law enforcement, she explained, especially traffic stops that inappropriately escalate when local officers call ICE or CBP.
MIRC has historically worked in three main areas: direct legal services, advocacy, and community education, such as Know Your Rights training. With the increase in detentions, however, they have had to shift resources toward their detention work. A key part of that work is quick support in filing habeas petitions, because policy changes have made it harder for detainees to be released on bond.
A Constantly Changing Environment
The legal environment is turbulent, with about 700 immigration policy changes enacted under the new administration. According to Suave, “this blistering pace of change–changes that have real and consequential impacts for Michigan families–leaves everyone reeling.”
MIRC’s Unique Role
MIRC is the only nonprofit legal service provider designated to answer calls from people in immigration detention in Michigan. It is also the only Michigan organization listed on the pro bono list given to people in removal proceedings in immigration court.
The federal funding for several key MIRC programs–its Helpdesk in immigration court, its representation of over 1,000 unaccompanied minors, and its support for individuals deemed mentally incompetent to represent themselves, have all been terminated. While some services have been temporarily restored through litigation, the programs remain on shaky ground. “The starts and stops have made it more stressful to maintain service and staffing,” she said. Some staff have even received hate mail.
“As you can imagine, it is painful to bear witness to the suffering our clients and community members are experiencing,” said Suave. “We see families separated, struggling with the loss of a breadwinner, people not receiving the care they need in detention, and untold worry and anxiety.”
At the same time, “we have been buoyed by the incredible show of support from communities across the state, communities who know and love their immigrant neighbors,” she said. “We have been inspired by the notes of appreciation and creative fundraisers to support our critical work, so that we can help more people have access to free legal services when they need it most.”
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You–yes, you!–can help MIRC help these immigrants. Please buy a ticket or donate to our fundraiser on behalf of MIRC. Every dollar we raise for them will help pay for critically needed legal services.
Latin Music & Dance CELEBRATION!
Saturday, June 13, 6:00-9:00 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor
4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
This event is both a celebration of Latin culture and a call to support our immigrant neighbors. It will feature Paul Vornhagen’s Afro-Cuban jazz band Tumbao Bravo playing music for listening and dancing. The doors open at 6:00. There will be dinner by Pilar’s Tamales and a cash bar. An optional salsa lesson with Mambo Marci from YA Salsa starts at 6:30. The band will take the stage at 7:15. Tickets are $50 per person. The registration deadline to attend is June 6. Those who cannot attend are encouraged to donate. Buy your tickets or donate here!
For more information contact LatinMusicAndDanceCelebration@gmail.com.
