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SPECIAL VIGIL HONORING HUNGER STRIKERS AT BALWIN DETENTION CENTER

Strangers No Longer Youth Called to be

"Voices of Hope" at 6th Annual Conference

Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger speaks with high school students at the Youth in Action for Immigration Conference at the University of Detroit Jesuit's Johnson Recreation Center. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Catholic

Students from eight Catholic high schools across southeast Michigan gathered on April 17 at University of Detroit Jesuit High School's Johnson Recreation Center to learn more about the experiences of immigrants in their communities and how they can be witnesses to the human dignity inherent in every person.

The sixth annual "Missionaries of Hope" Youth in Action for Immigration Conference was sponsored by Strangers No Longer, and brought together 85 students from eight schools (Christo Rey, Mercy, Brother Rice, Loyola, University of Detroit Jesuit, Notre Dame Prep, Gabriel Richard and Bishop Foley) to hear firsthand accounts from immigrants about their experiences coming to this country, insights from experts on immigration law, and hands-on lessons involving real-world scenarios, including de-escalation techniques during tense situations.

The student-organized conference aimed to help students better understand the issues surrounding immigration, and to empathize with migrants and refugees in order to promote clear and compassionate dialogue, organizers said. “The goal of this conference is to have participants leave with a fresh, clear mindset on who we are, recognizing that we are all human, we are all looking for a safe home to grow and prosper in, and none of us are trying to exclude others,” Sofia Dussan, a junior at Fr. Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor, told Detroit Catholic. “Today is a day where we can celebrate inclusion in our communities and celebrate our differences, while upholding our common love for Jesus, who teaches us to love all, welcome and show we are no longer strangers.”

Dussan became a student leader of the conference, alongside Joseph Davis, a senior at University of Detroit Jesuit, and Katie Fortino, a senior at Notre Dame Prep in Pontiac, after attending the conference last year. “I've created my own Circle of Support in my school, and I've found volunteering opportunities within my community to help migrants,” Dussan said, referencing Strangers No Longer's parish- and school-based circles. “I hope people at the conference today will see just how many people care about this topic and want to make change and will hopefully want to do the same.”

Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger said he admired the young people who attended the conference, and expressed his joy at seeing them taking up the mantle to uphold human dignity. “I’m incredibly charged up to see so many people in this room caring about something that truly makes a difference in our world and our future,” Archbishop Weisenburger said. “I’m concerned about the world and our future today, but I’m hopeful. There have been witnesses in every age; you are witnesses in this age. May the Lord strengthen and bless you, and always know you have not only my support, but my love and my admiration.”

Adapted from an article in the Detroit Catholic 4/20/2026, by Daniel Meloy

READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DETROIT CATHOLIC:

Students called to be witnesses of Jesus' compassion at immigration conference

SAVE THE DATE!

"Assembly for Hope" June 29

Nancy and Flor, leaders of our CONSEJO ESTATAL Circles, spoke at the April Banquet about the fear generated by the actions of ICE: "The fear is palpable, and keeps people hidden in their homes."

Our June 29 Assembly for Hope can be a counterweight, a safe harbor and, an engine to reverse the negativity in Michigan.

Our vision for June 29 is that we will vote on the POLICY CHANGES we want to see happen at the federal, state and local level, to make Michigan a more welcoming State, one that protects all of us, including immigrants. We are getting ideas from immigrants, and from our Local For Local delegations visiting Police Chiefs. We'll also get input from outgoing Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel who has committed to attend. In the fall, before the November elections, we will have a Candidates' Forum to ask the candidates for Governor, Attorney General and US Senator:

"Will you work with us to enact these policies here in Michigan?"

SNL 5th Annual Banquet Draws 400

Photo courtesy of El Central 4/19/2026

A spirit of resilience grounded in hope and faith filled the Ukrainian Cultural Center this past weekend, as Strangers No Longer (SNL) hosted its fifth annual banquet. Under the theme “Building Community Together,” 400 Circle of Support leaders, most of them from Catholic parishes, and allies from across the state gathered to celebrate a mission rooted in faith by welcoming the stranger and supporting immigrant families navigating an increasingly hostile and uncertain climate.

“In a year of political turmoil and near despair, we are reminded that our hope lies in our friendships, our support systems, the people with whom we share this journey,” said Board President Judy Brooks. “Strangers No Longer provides the joy and hope that working together as a community can bring.”

The event raised $4720 from the Basket Raffle, all the proceeds of which went to the Families in Crisis Fund. More than $11,000 was raised from ticket sales, and $22,000 from Ad book sales. Many thanks to the dozens of volunteers who made the Banquet such a success this year!

Adapted from an article in El Central 4/19/2026 by Odlais Perales

Read the full El Central Article:

Strangers No Longer Creates Community in Support of Immigrant Families

Baldwin Detainees on Hunger Strike

Immigrants Demand Changes at North Lake Detention Center

Interfaith leaders in Michigan have announced a week long fast beginning April 27, in solidarity with a group of immigrants at North Lake Detention Centeron, who are on a hunger strike to protest the conditions at the Center. Rev. Marge Palmerlee, of Hope for Neighbors in Grand Rapids, spoke powerfully at the Strangers No Longer Annual Banquet, about the conditions at North Lake, including the lack of medical care, and the arbitrary use of solitary confinement. Over 85% of those detained at North Lake have no criminal record. Now, immigrant detainees are taking action. They have re-launched a hunger strike to bring attention to these harsh conditions and demand changes.

On April 22, dozens of protesters gathered outside of the facility to support the immigrants. According to Michigan Radio, one protestor saw an immigrant inside the detention center holding up a sign that said "SOS". Interfaith leaders and other advocacy groups are urging Congress to conduct an audit into the practices at North Lake.

Read and learn more about the hunger strike through the following resources:

Detained Immigrants Launch Hunger Strike at Michigan ICE Facility

Protestors Gather Outside Baldwin Facility As Immigrant Detainees Held By ICE Launch Hunger Strike

Michigan Public Stateside- Update about the Hunger Strike

Information about the Interfaith Solidary Fast

NETWORK, a Catholic Social Justice lobby, and their Michigan friends invite us to join their upcoming Prayer Walk for Peace, Justice, and Dignity for Immigrants.

Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 1:00-3:30 PM
Kick-off Location: First Presbyterian Church (510 West Ottawa Street, Lansing, Michigan)

Starting and ending at nearby churches, the event will feature a procession around the State Capitol in Lansing. The program will include readings, reflections, prayers, and song. It will be ecumenical and multi-faith, peaceful and non-partisan. All are welcome!

Click here to Register.

Clink Here for Link to Flyer

News and Resources

Witness to Hope: Pastoral Care of Immigrant Communities

Wed., May 6, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, Sacred Heart Seminary 2701 Chicago Blvd. Detroit. REGISTRATION CLOSES WED. April 29. Full-day convening involving Catholic Charities and Archdiocesan agencies, staff, priests, religious, parish and Catholic school leaders in the Michigan and Ohio region. SNL is a local sponsor. Cost is $35\person includes lunch and light breakfast; scholarships available.

To register visit: https://bit.ly/4s8zdSz

Will the Fight with the Pope Cost the Republicans in the Mid Terms

Michael Sean Winters, National Catholic Reporter, April 23, 2026

Influential U.S. cardinals caution against Iran war, Trump immigration policies

60 Minutes, YouTube Video April 12, 2026

Former judges speak out on Trump admin's immigration court purges

CBS Sunday Morning, YouTube Video, April 19

Multifaith clergy coalition demands end to ICE presence in Michigan

The 'Gander, March 25, 2026

The Visitor (2007)- Movie on Youtube

When professor Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins) travels to New York for a lecture, he's stunned to find illegal immigrants Tarek (Haaz Sleiman) and Zainab (Danai Gurira) living in his apartment. It comes out that it was rented to them by a swindler, and Vale feels sufficiently sorry for them that he invites them to stay. They get on well until Tarek is accused of jumping a subway turnstile and lands in a detention center. He risks being deported, and Vale does everything he can to prevent it.

Links to the: "Know Your Rights" Flyer in English and Spanish.

Banquet DJ: A BIG Thanks to Antonio Nunez, who volunteered his DJ services (El Elejido) at our 5th Annual Banquet. Interested in hiring El Elejido? Contact Antonio at: 734-925-1594