Detention of Iraqi nationals challenged

DETROIT (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union is seeking the release of hundreds of people whose deportations to Iraq were suspended but who remain in custody.

The advocacy groups and attorneys representing Iraqi nationals allege in a recent court filing that the government is detaining people without determining whether it’s justified.

In July, a federal judge in Detroit blocked the deportation of 1,400 people to allow time to challenge their removal in immigration court.

Government officials say the detainees have committed crimes in the U.S. and must be deported.