Forum held with Detroit's Homeland Security leaders

 Taking Action por Nuestros Niños (TANN) recently conducted a groundbreaking forum with local lead officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

 
“It is so important for government officials to meet with members of the community they serve to better understand the concerns of residents,” said U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade who partnered with TANN to organize the forum. “We hope that these meetings can open dialogue so that we can answer questions, raise awareness, dispel myths and provide accountability for our agencies. Face-to-face meetings can help break down barriers to effective communication.” 
 
McQuade committed to holding three more events and inviting DHS leadership throughout the summer months.
 
“We’re excited about the idea of continuing and sustaining the dialogue. This is the best way to form a real relationship between our groups that is rooted in respect,” said Lucy Ruiz, TANN treasurer.
 
Present DHS leaders included: William Hayes, acting special agent in charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations; Rebecca Adducci, ICE director of Enforcement and Removal Operations; Mario Martinez, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) chief patrol agent; Mick Dedvukaj, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) director. Each of the lead officials brought several members of their respective agencies. Several Detroit Public Schools principals from Southwest Detroit were also present.
 
Adducci noted that immigration is a “touchy subject” in Southwest Detroit and is “excited to open lines of communication.”
 
“We want to have as many meetings as it takes with the community,” said Dedvukaj. “This is not a one time thing.”
 
TANN is a grassroots organization of parents fighting for better schools, a safer community and a stronger Southwest Detroit. TANN members define issues important to them, develop strategies to fight them, mobilize others and organize actions to make their voices heard. TANN is an affiliate of the Harriet Tubman Center and  Congress of Communities to help provide leadership development for local parents.
 
The Harriet Tubman Center develops leaders and organizations that promote strong, thriving communities by bringing people together to create change in Metro Detroit and throughout Michigan. Affiliate organizations include: Metro Coalition of Congregations, Michigan Organizing Collaborative, Michigan Prophetic Voices, Taking Action por Nuestros Niños and YOUTH VOICE. For additional information, visit www.tubmanorganizing.org.
 
The Vision of the Congress of Communities (CoC) of Southwest Detroit Neighborhoods is to provide leadership in a thriving, safe, clean, green, economically developed and culturally-rich community; where children, youth and adults are healthy, skilled, caring and civically engaged. CoC is a community board, elected by the resident membership of Southwest Detroit Neighborhoods. The membership is comprised of more than 700 residents, youth and stakeholders. For additional information visit Facebook: Congress-Of-Communities or on Twitter @CoC_SwDetroit.

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