The Trump administration implemented a travel ban today targeting 12 countries, including Yemen, which has left many in Detroit's Yemeni community concerned about their ability to visit family members abroad.

Watch Faraz Javed's video report: Trump banned citizens of 12 countries from entering the US. Here's what to know

Nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen are now barred from entering the United States.

Seven additional countries - Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela - face partial travel restrictions.

For Abdo Al Wajeeh, a kitchen helper at Haus of Brunch in Downtown Detroit, the ban means uncertainty about when he'll see his family again.

"I miss them," Al Wajeeh said.

Al Wajeeh moved to Michigan in 2000 to support his wife and three children in Yemen. Every month, he sends home $1,000 to support his family, whom he typically sees once every two years.

Now with the travel ban in effect, Al Wajeeh fears returning to Yemen, worried he won't be able to re-enter the US.

"It's sad," Al Wajeeh said.

The ban is also affecting local businesses. Maher Obeid, owner of the newly opened Haus of Brunch restaurant, says many of his employees are Yemeni nationals with family overseas.

"The majority of our employees are Yemeni," Obeid said. "Being Yemeni, I can see a close connection for us, and then it's easy to communicate, but a lot of them have come here either on visas, you know, to stay here and find a second home or a place to live. So it affects us when it comes to business."

Obeid explained that most of his employees see their families in Yemen only once every two years, if they're fortunate.

"Some people are getting stuck there. Banning them and the travel ban, making sure that they can't come back, that's just like they were not willing to jeopardize going to see their family, their livelihood," Obeid said.

Rocky Raczkowski, who has been part of the Michigan GOP for the last 38 years, defended the policy.

"These countries have deficient screening and vetting services, which historically refused to take back their own citizens when they overstayed their visas or they created a crime here in the United States," Raczkowski said.

Nabih Ayad of the Arab American Civil Rights League, who previously filed a federal lawsuit against the 2018 travel ban, questioned the selection criteria for the banned countries.

"If you look at possibly other nations that have worse vetting process, they're not on their list, possibly," Ayad said.

Ayad noted that the current ban appears more targeted than previous versions.

"This one is more clarified and more centered, meaning that they had to basically identify why each nation was on that ban to justify their actions so it could possibly pass muster on the judiciary challenges that may face down the road here," Ayad said.

While Ayad investigates potential legal challenges to the ban, he believes the White House relied on selective data.

"That's kind of what we're looking into, all the other numbers of other nations that were not put on that list that could possibly show that this is just intended to really discriminate against certain black and brown Middle Eastern individuals from those nations and predominantly Muslim nations," Ayad said.

Meanwhile, Al Wajeeh hopes to eventually bring his family to the United States.

"I want to bring them," Al Wajeeh said. "Because it's very hard to stay there."

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The 15th annual Motor City Irish Fest is bringing Irish heritage to life this weekend at Greenmead Historical Park in Livonia, featuring traditional music, cultural exhibits, and a strong sense of community.

The festival, organized entirely by volunteers since its beginning, offers more than 40 vendors, 18 bands, whiskey tasting and various activities celebrating Irish culture.

"I honestly love it because of the community, you know, you're walking down this road and you see everyone, everybody's waving to you, everybody wants to say hi, everyone's friendly, and a lot of the Irish history too. You can learn a lot in our cultural tent over there," said Marissa Branigan, an 18-year-old volunteer at the festival.

Branigan, who helps with greeting visitors, cargo handling, and setting up tents, chairs and banners, takes pride in her role preserving Irish traditions.

"Honestly, it makes me proud to know that I'm doing the same as people before me have," Branigan said.

From its humble beginnings in a parking lot, the festival has grown significantly over the years. Peggy Gray, one of the original volunteers who has been organizing the event since its inception, has witnessed this evolution firsthand.

"It's been an amazing adventure. We went from a parking lot, as you probably know, to Greenmead," Gray said.

When asked about how the festival has changed over time, Gray was enthusiastic about its growth.

"It's gotten just bigger and better," Gray said.

For many participants, the festival provides a connection to their heritage. Despite never having visited Ireland, Branigan values the cultural immersion the festival provides.

"It's really important to me because it keeps me close to my heritage even though I've never been to Ireland. I've been around all the people and like the culture in here for so many years, and it's just really important to me to keep it close like to my roots," Branigan said.

For Branigan, Irish heritage represents "a lot of strength ... but also knowing how to celebrate and have fun."

The festival, which is expected to draw around 5,000 attendees throughout the weekend, concludes Sunday at 7 p.m.

To learn more visit: https://motorcityirishfest.com/

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

We're bringing you the story of two men from across the globe who have forged a bond that defies the tensions between their home countries.

Watch Faraz Javed's video report: Michigan friends forge bond that defies tension between their home countries

7 News Detroit reporter Faraz Javed met Ali Haider from Pakistan and Sunny Singh from India to see firsthand how their friendship is a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and peace between communities.  

Dansville is a small village near Lansing with a population of around 500. That's where we found 42-year-old Ali Haider, a Pakistani American.

"I cannot be more thankful to the United States for what they've done for me and my family," said Ali.

Ali says he's a proud Michigander, too.

Ali moved to America from Punjab, Pakistan, in 2006, fell in love with Michigan, and decided to raise a family here while becoming a small business owner.

Together, we went to visit his friend Sunny. His name is Vijay Signh.

Sunny, 40, runs the only gas station in Dansville.

"Every weekend, we are pretty much hanging out together with family. I have a 17-year-old son, he has a 17-year-old daughter. Kids are friends with each other. And our wives are friends," said Ali.

Sunny moved from Punjab, India, in 1997. Ali and Sunny met in Michigan and have called each other "brother" for over 20 years. To understand how their friendship bridges the India-Pakistan divide, we sat down for coffee.

"I think we are the bridge between the Indian and Pakistani communities around the Lansing area because Sunny introduced me to his side of the community, and I introduced Sunny to my side of the community," said Ali.

From clothing to cuisine, North India and Pakistan share similar cultures and traditions. However, since the partition of British India in 1947, control of Kashmir has sparked most conflicts between the countries.

"That doesn't matter to us," said Sunny. "Because I don't go by countries. I go by the people."

Previous coverage: India fires miles into Pakistan: India fires missiles into Pakistan

Ali said, "all my family and friends are all there; they got multiple drone and missile attacks."

Tensions between the two countries significantly escalated in early May with a 4-day military conflict. The attacks came as India continued to blame Pakistan for a deadly attack in April in the disputed Kashmir region, a claim that Pakistan denies. 

"Our family was sending us videos ... of all the rockets and bombs coming through," said Sunny.

Ali says they are welcoming the ceasefire. "But my worry is somebody sparks another thing and the war starts again," he said.

On May 10, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, which was brokered with the help of the U.S.

"The people want peace," said Ali.

"To the best of your knowledge, the Indian-Pakistani community, at least in Michigan, has no tension?" I asked.

"No, not at all," said Sunny.

"Pakistani and Indian community, we share all the events. Like from Diwali to Eid. There is Eid coming now and I will invite all my Indian friends. He actually comes to the mosque for Iftar. So everything is identical, there should be no border, forget about the war," said Ali.

The recent confrontation has revived fears of a nuclear war between the neighboring countries. Both have possessed nuclear weapons since 1998.

"Both countries they do not want war. We want to live each peacefully, call each other brothers. Respect each other's families, values, and that's the message we want to give to both sides of the countries," said Ali.

Where Your Voice Matters

The Melvindale community is coming together to support their police chief as he fights cancer, hosting fundraisers and showing the strength of their tight-knit city.

Watch Faraz's story in the video player below: Melvindale community rallies behind police chief battling cancer

Chief Robert Kennaley, a law enforcement veteran of 20 years who took charge just over a year ago, began his battle with cancer at the start of 2025.

"The main reason we are here today is to support our Chief," said Lisa Boruki, who attended the Melvindale Police Department's fundraiser.

Corporal Mohammed Hacham describes Kennaley as a generous leader with a big heart.

"Everybody walking in today is talking about him like he handed them a gift card, or he gave a kid an ice cream," Hacham said.

Mayor Nicole Shkira emphasized that Kennaley's impact extends beyond his official duties.

"Kennaley is my right hand. This is a partnership. We went in this together. So I need to be strong and get through this. So Kennaley Strong, that's what we are," Shkira said.

The U.S. Navy veteran's cancer diagnosis came after doctors performed multiple biopsies.

"They did a triple biopsy. Cause he had some on his tongue, his tonsil gland, and three on lymph nodes," said Lorie Kennaley, the chief's wife.

"It hit us both like a bomb in our stomachs," she said.

This July will mark 20 years of marriage for Lorie and Chief Kennaley.

"I've never seen him like that before. You know, anytime you hear cancer, it's very scary and unknown," Lorie said.

Chief Kennaley has completed 35 radiation sessions to date, a difficult treatment process that has taken a physical toll.

"They can't tell you 100 percent that he will be cured. The doctors told us that this is the hardest part, because the chemo and radiation continue to work. And it attacks your good cells, your immune system. His throat is really sore. The radiation causes big sores in your throat, so he can't really swallow. He hasn't eaten in a month," Lorie said.

Despite these challenges, Kennaley recently hit a major milestone when he rang the bell marking the completion of his treatment.

"I really got emotional and then the people that came down and wanted to be there ... they only allowed seven, but there's a lot of people that want to be there," Lorie said.

The community's response reflects the impact Chief Kennaley has had on those around him.

"Well let me tell you, he's always put others first. I've had so many people reach out to me and tell me the good things he's done for them to get them where they're at, so it's that Bible verse, you know, you reap what you sow," Lorie said.

For Corporal Hacham, the chief has become a father figure.

"For me, he's a father. I lost my dad, and this was the next step in my life is becoming a police officer, and he was the next person that came into my life and actually showed me he cares about me," Hacham said.

"One of the most decent human beings, and we want him to know how much we love and support him," Boruki said.

While the community sees him as their chief, Lorie sees the same strong, loving man she married.

"He's a leader. I mean, you can ask my kids, family, anybody in the department, anybody in the city. If you found anybody upset with him, I'd be surprised. He's just a good guy," she said.

As the Kennaleys look forward to the day when the chief is in remission, they're also planning to renew their vows next month.

"Our vows will be to continue to support and love each other, through sickness and in health. And no matter what, we're gonna take care of each other's backs and support not just us but everybody around us, and I would say thank you for all the wonderful years and all the wonderful years ahead of us, and I love you so much," Chief Kennaley said.

Those wishing to support Chief Kennaley can find his GoFundMe information here.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Over 150,000 people are expected to visit downtown Detroit this Memorial Day weekend, and a new restaurant is ready to serve them. The Haus of Brunch, which opened this week, is bringing a unique dining experience to the city's food scene.

The restaurant, located at The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, offers a completely halal menu with everything made in-house.

Watch Faraz's full piece in the video below: New halal brunch spot opens in downtown Detroit ahead of busy Memorial Day weekend

"Currently, we have 85 people capacity in the dining room. Eventually, we will have the patio open up as well to fit another 30 people," said Maher Obeid, owner of Haus of Brunch.

Obeid says he and his team strategically timed the opening to coincide with the Memorial Day weekend festivities.

"Well, we are definitely overstaffed. My CFO is talking about how much ... people we have on payroll. But it's all for good reason. So, purchasing and making sure we have all the products in-house. Getting the team up and rolling," Obeid said.

The weekend brings multiple major events to Detroit, including The Weeknd performing at Ford Field, Tigers games, and the Movement festival. These attractions are drawing visitors from both near and far.

"I have a lot of family in Detroit. It's all about the Tigers. My cousin Sue loves the Tigers. She lives down the street. So huge fan there and my other cousins, it's all about lake time, it's all about spending time with family, and getting out to the city. And then seeing all the buildings, the Guardian Building," said Tracy, a visitor from Atlanta, enjoying the holiday weekend.

Steve, another visitor, shared his perspective on the city's evolution. "We have been coming down here, St. Patrick's Church of Detroit which isn't around anymore. But her uncle was a pastor but we would come down for the festivals, Cass Corridor just to see how things gotten better, cleaner and more people friendly."

Opening during such a busy weekend presents challenges, but Obeid feels prepared.

"Yeah honestly, it is [overwhelming], but we are covering ourselves by adding more bodies on the floor. But working diligently. We have been here maybe 16 hours a day with the whole team just to make sure how things are rolling. And what to anticipate with these weekends," Obeid said.

To manage rising costs, Obeid is focusing on smart ordering practices and credits his executive Chef Ashley Thomas and team for creating a well-rounded, budget-friendly menu.

What makes Haus of Brunch stand out is its commitment to halal food preparation.

"We are a completely halal scratch kitchen. So we make everything in-house. And we don't serve any alcohol or pork," Obeid said.

When asked about potential lost revenue from not serving alcohol, Obeid remains confident in their business model.

"We have other items on the menu, like our mocktails and specialty coffee, that we can provide, but for the most part, the food and the ingredients and everything else we do overlooks that," he said.

Click here to learn more about Haus of Brunch.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.