Detroit siblings Miriam and Ernesto came to the U.S. together as toddlers. They grew up one grade apart, sharing a life, a city, and a future. Now Ernesto is behind the walls of the North Lake immigration detention center in Baldwin after being detained by ICE on his way to work — despite legal work authorization and a pending green-card application.

After Miriam tells their story, The Metro also spoke with Christine Suave of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, who explains the legal landscape and what options remain for someone in Ernesto’s position, and State Sen. Stephanie Chang, who discusses what Michigan lawmakers can and cannot do in response to federal immigration enforcement decisions.

Listen to part 1