Detroit chaldean rally

Since , thousands of Iraqi Christians have come to the Detroit area, which has one of the largest communities of people in the United States with roots in the Middle East. Demonstrators filled the plaza in front of the building and at one point spilled out onto the street. Others held photos of the two priests who were killed in the Oct. Iraqi Christians have sought international help for Iraq's Christian community since the attack that left 58 people dead.

It was the worst attack against the country's Christian minority since the U. The rally coincides with others in Chicago, London and Paris, organizers said. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. District Judge Mark Goldsmith ruled Monday night in favor of a two week stay of removal for Iraqi nationals.

The decision will prevent the deportations of at least Iraqis from Detroit who are hoping to reopen their immigration cases, The Washington Post reported. Goldsmith's ruling impacts Iraqi nationals nationwide.

A decision has yet to be made on whether the U. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, where Goldsmith serves, has jurisdiction to rule on the class-action lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union to protect the estimated 1, Iraqis across the nation that the U.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it plans to deport. The Chaldean Christian community in Sterling Heights, Michigan, represents the largest concentration of the religious minority outside of Iraq, according to the Chaldean Community Foundation. Naoum said those in Michigan are generally Republican and supported President Trump by attending his rallies, holding fundraisers and having a Chaldean priest bless him during his campaign trail.

Naoum said the Iraqi nationals thought Trump was the best option to keep them safe since he has spoken about protecting Christians in foreign countries. Related: U. The bloodletting of Christians must end, and all who aid their killers must be punished. Kalasho said that members of the community feel taken advantage of by the president.

Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August, there have been a wave of attacks against religious minorities across Asia by extremist groups. In Kabul, the minority Hindu, Sikh, and Catholic communities are being forced out and minorities in the Kashmir valley were targeted this month, as well as the attacks in Bangladesh, according to media reports and human rights groups. Haldar called upon authorities in Bangladesh to take action when the violence happens, not wait until afterward.

He said there's a pattern where political leaders came out in support, but only after the attacks happened. Haldar said some of his family in Bangladesh are scared now to practice their faith.

They escaped the physical attacks this month, but their temple was closed during Durga Puja out of fear. Contact Niraj Warikoo:nwarikoo freepress. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hindus rally in metro Detroit to protest attacks in Bangladesh. Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press 8 hrs ago. Texas governor approves state voting maps redrawn by GOP. Ad Microsoft.

Full screen. Dozier, Detroit Free Press. Over protestors showed up for the rally and a meal afterwards. Protestors showed up for the rally and a meal afterwards. Slideshow continues on the next slide.