56 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

    Protecting Our Vote: Facts in the Face of Fear

    Protecting Our Vote: Facts in the Face of Fear

    The Comanche People

    The Comanche People

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.

    “This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

    CitizenDetroit Launches Free Online Platform that Enables Detroit Voters to Hear Directly from Detroit Candidates

    CitizenDetroit Launches Free Online Platform that Enables Detroit Voters to Hear Directly from Detroit Candidates

  • Community
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

    A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

    A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

    Stellantis Hosts “Thrilling” MHCC Networking Event

    Stellantis Hosts “Thrilling” MHCC Networking Event

    El Zocalo Lounge Brings Back Nightlife to Mexicantown

    El Zocalo Lounge Brings Back Nightlife to Mexicantown

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Candidatos del Distrito 6 hablan sobre inmigración y contaminación

    Candidatos del Distrito 6 hablan sobre inmigración y contaminación

    Connecting with the Heart of Detroit

    Connecting with the Heart of Detroit

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

  • Featured
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.

    “This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

    Pope Leo XIV a ‘man of many gifts’ who will lead Church with grace

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    El Arzobispo Edward J. Weisenburger dirige las oraciones durante una Misa en memoria del papa Francisco el 21 de abril en la Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament en Detroit. El papa Francisco, quien ha liderado la Iglesia católica desde 2013, murió la madrugada del lunes, el día después del Domingo de Pascua. (Foto de Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic)

    Archbishop Weisenburger leads Detroit faithful in mourning Pope Francis’ death

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    The Comanche People

    The Comanche People

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    From Latin Boogaloo to Electric Vibes, Latino Music Moves the Crowd at Concert of Colors

    From Latin Boogaloo to Electric Vibes, Latino Music Moves the Crowd at Concert of Colors

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

    Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Blackfeet – Native Americans

    Blackfeet – Native Americans

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

    Protecting Our Vote: Facts in the Face of Fear

    Protecting Our Vote: Facts in the Face of Fear

    The Comanche People

    The Comanche People

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.

    “This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

    CitizenDetroit Launches Free Online Platform that Enables Detroit Voters to Hear Directly from Detroit Candidates

    CitizenDetroit Launches Free Online Platform that Enables Detroit Voters to Hear Directly from Detroit Candidates

  • Community
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

    A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

    A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

    Stellantis Hosts “Thrilling” MHCC Networking Event

    Stellantis Hosts “Thrilling” MHCC Networking Event

    El Zocalo Lounge Brings Back Nightlife to Mexicantown

    El Zocalo Lounge Brings Back Nightlife to Mexicantown

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Candidatos del Distrito 6 hablan sobre inmigración y contaminación

    Candidatos del Distrito 6 hablan sobre inmigración y contaminación

    Connecting with the Heart of Detroit

    Connecting with the Heart of Detroit

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

  • Featured
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.

    “This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

    Pope Leo XIV a ‘man of many gifts’ who will lead Church with grace

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    El Arzobispo Edward J. Weisenburger dirige las oraciones durante una Misa en memoria del papa Francisco el 21 de abril en la Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament en Detroit. El papa Francisco, quien ha liderado la Iglesia católica desde 2013, murió la madrugada del lunes, el día después del Domingo de Pascua. (Foto de Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic)

    Archbishop Weisenburger leads Detroit faithful in mourning Pope Francis’ death

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    The Comanche People

    The Comanche People

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    From Latin Boogaloo to Electric Vibes, Latino Music Moves the Crowd at Concert of Colors

    From Latin Boogaloo to Electric Vibes, Latino Music Moves the Crowd at Concert of Colors

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

    Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Blackfeet – Native Americans

    Blackfeet – Native Americans

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
No Result
View All Result

Despite Challenges, State and Municipal Identification Cards for Undocumented Residents Within Reach

EL CENTRAL by EL CENTRAL
October 26, 2023
in Community, Politics
Reading Time: 4 mins read
Home Community
ShareShareTweetEmail to a friend
  • Amelia Benavides-Colón
  • October 26, 2023

For many, identifications and licenses are something taken for granted, but for undocumented
immigrants, lacking a proper ID can mean barriers to childcare, healthcare, and access to
financial institutions.

The city of Detroit aimed to solve this issue in 2016, roughly nine years after the state
overturned the Drive SAFE package, creating a municipal ID program that enrolled more than 8,000 residents before being shut down for privacy concerns.

Close to 7 percent of Michigan’s population is undocumented, equating to more than 600,000
residents from Mexico, India and Iraq, according to the American Immigration Council. City of Detroit officials estimate that anywhere from 8,000 to 20,000 may be living in Southwest Detroit.

Detroit tried to bring the program back in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to pause, and it enrolled another 883 residents before Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero raised
red flags about residents being put in danger.

A 2021 report by the city’s Immigration Task Force, co-authored by the Northeastern University School of Law, found evidence of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) purchasing information from companies connected to municipal ID programs, and using the data to increase surveillance against marginalized communities.

When asked if the residents previously enrolled in the program should be worried about their information being obtained by ICE, Santiago-Romero said “We [Immigration Task Force] are concerned and frankly disappointed that there were that many people who signed up who could potentially be at risk for their data to be shared”.

Santiago-Romero said the task force was late to realize a problem existed because the
Immigration Task Force had not been invited to be involved with the vendor selection during the
May 2022 revamp. Moving forward, they will have a role in every step of the process.

“We are now working closely with the (Detroit) Health Department, we are reviewing the RFPs (Requests for Proposals), we are going to be reviewing who the vendors are themselves, we’re
also asking everything to be brought in-house, another way to ensure we aren’t working with a vendor who could potentially sell the data,” Santiago-Romero said.

At the state level Policy Director for We the People Michigan Yvonne Navarrete has been championing the state’s reimplementation of its “Drivers License for All” bill and said her team learned a lot through Detroit’s Municipal ID program.

Navarrete, a DACA recipient who grew up in Southwest Detroit, said she remembers the fear that gripped the community in 2007 when the license law was reversed by then-state Attorney General Michael Cox.

“I remember the feeling in my family, and other families, that there was a countdown to driving safely…ever since then driving has become an anxious, fear-inducing activity for my parents,” she said.

Navarrete said the bills were introduced to the State Senate and House on April 12, 2023 with the votes to approve the bills coming in at the Senate level but have seemingly stalled in the House with 54 of 56 Democrats currently on board; the two holdouts are Tullio Liberati of District 2 (Lincoln Park) and Nate Shannon of District 58 (Sterling Heights).

In an exclusive interview with EL CENTRAL, Director of the Office of Global Michigan Poppy
Sias-Hernandez said she’s worked closely with the Governor’s Office to ensure legislators are working hard to rally support for the bills. “I just think we know that having access to a driver’s license is part of how we signal that we’re a welcoming state,” Hernandez said. “It feels like
we’re moving in the right direction.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she encourages all business owners and those within law
enforcement to trust in the DRIVE Safe bill. “[This would be] a way to grow our economy (and) grow our population, which is in all of our interests,” Whitmer said.

Navarrete said House Democrats brought in immigration lawyers from the Michigan Immigrant
Rights Center and the ACLU to incorporate the best practices to protect against data breaches
used around the country into the most recent version of the bill.

Navarrete’s efforts are just one example from one of several organizations that make up the
Drive Michigan Forward Coalition, a group run by immigrant residents working to raise support for the legislation. Members include the ACLU Michigan, Action of Greater Lansing, ACCESS,
Interfaith Council for Peace Justice, Interfaith Action, Detroit Jews for Justice, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, Berrien Immigrant Solidarity Network and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, among many others.

The legislature has about three weeks left to make a decision on the Drivers License for All Bill
before it adjourns in mid-November.

At the local level, Santiago-Romero said she hopes the Detroit City Council will have a new, safe, vendor chosen and approved by January and encourages residents to feel comfortable enrolling in the program again.

Moving forward, Detroit’s Municipal ID program will not create a paper trail, Santiago-Romero said, operating entirely in-house and collecting zero data on residents.

“The Detroit ID is going to be safe. This relaunch is safe. I understand the fear that folks have
but also the need that the State of Michigan has yet to give undocumented folks access to driver
licenses,” Santiago-Romero said, “but we are ensuring that the Detroit ID program is safe,
accessible and that residents feel good about.”

Amelia Benavides-Colón is a senior at Wayne State University studying Journalism and Global
Studies. Amelia is a Southwest Detroit native with more than three years of reporting experience
with The Detroit News, Outlier Media, and Crain’s Detroit Business and is the former Editor-in-
Chief of WSU’s student-run newspaper The South End.

Tags: DetroitimmigrantsMichigan
Previous Post

The Latino Talent Awards Showcased the Unity and Diversity of the Latino community.

Next Post

Día de Muertos

EL CENTRAL

EL CENTRAL

Related Posts

Youth poet Charisma Holly. Photo by the City of Detroit, Detroitmi.gov.
Community

Youth Civic Night Highlights Empowerment for Detroit’s Young People

by EL CENTRAL
August 7, 2025
0

Detroit’s Youth Civic Night empowers young leaders with music, art, and voter education, proving civic engagement starts now, not later.

Read moreDetails
Pax Cristi in front of the Spirit of Detroit
Community

Pax Christi USA Holds National Conference in Detroit

by EL CENTRAL
August 7, 2025
0

Pax Christi USA’s 2025 conference in Detroit united faith, peace, justice, and nonviolence advocates in workshops, awards, and interfaith dialogue.

Read moreDetails
Trump destroys our source of information about jobs by Robert Reich
Español

Trump destroys our source of information about jobs by Robert Reich

by EL CENTRAL
August 7, 2025
0

Trump’s attack on the Bureau of Labor Statistics threatens data integrity and trust in U.S. institutions like the Fed, EPA,...

Read moreDetails
A mural outside of an immigration resource center in El Paso, Texas.
Community

El Paso Workshop Guides Reporters Who Tell Immigration Stories

by EL CENTRAL
July 31, 2025
0

From El Paso to Detroit, a journalist explores immigration, border policy, and climate justice—revealing urgent truths and untold human stories

Read moreDetails
Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Community

Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield

by EL CENTRAL
July 31, 2025
0

Detroit mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield tackles air pollution, housing, infrastructure & immigrant rights in this in-depth EL CENTRAL interview

Read moreDetails
DCFC Breaks Winless Run
Community

DCFC Breaks Winless Run

by EL CENTRAL
July 31, 2025
0

Detroit City FC defeats Westchester 3-0 but exits League Cup. With Trevor James out, Le Rouge must rally for the...

Read moreDetails
Next Post

Día de Muertos

Leave Comment
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

February 14, 2024
Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Why We Celebrate “CINCO DE MAYO, THE 5TH OF MAY”

May 2, 2024
MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

April 4, 2024
Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

February 1, 2024
Community and RuboFest 2022 

Community and RuboFest 2022 

0
“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

0
Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

0
Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

0
Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

July 24, 2025
Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

July 24, 2025

MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

July 24, 2025
A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

July 24, 2025

Recent News

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

July 24, 2025
Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

July 24, 2025

MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

July 24, 2025
A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

July 24, 2025
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News

Michigans #1. Oldest. Largest & Only
Bilingual Hispanic News for 33 Years.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Business
  • Classifieds
  • Community
  • Culture & Arts
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Español
  • Events
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Latest News
  • Local News
  • Local Small Business
  • Music
  • National News
  • Opinion
  • Others
  • People
  • Politics
  • Resources
  • Restaurants
  • Sports
  • Throwbacks
  • World
  • World Cultures

Recent News

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

July 24, 2025
Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

July 24, 2025
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Created with EyeBreatheDesign

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Catagories
    • Featured
    • Local News
    • Community
    • Culture & Arts
    • Español
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS