Michigan Leaders Unite Against ICE Immigration Expansion
ROMULUS, MI – A powerful coalition of Michigan faith leaders, immigrant advocates, and elected officials voiced strong opposition on Thursday, February 19th, to a federal plan to transform a Romulus warehouse into an immigration detention center. The concerns were articulated during a virtual press conference, where speakers sharply criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alleging an expansion of detention operations lacking sufficient oversight and fostering fear within Southeast Michigan’s immigrant communities.
Congressional Opposition and Funding Concerns
U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) declared her opposition to continued funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless significant changes are implemented in immigration enforcement practices. “Taxpayer dollars should be used to improve and make life more affordable, not to fund a rogue agency that is detaining and brutalizing people,” Dingell stated, adding that she recently voted against a DHS funding bill and will continue to do so “until these abuses end.”
Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) characterized the proposed Romulus facility as part of an “unprecedented expansion” of ICE operations in the region, labeling the project a “warehouse prison.” “ICE is now attempting to expand right here, an unprecedented expansion not only in one community, but two,” Tlaib explained. “And this warehouse in Romulus, originally slated for hundreds of permanent automotive jobs… they’re now turning it into a prison to cage hundreds of our immigrant neighbors. That is something that we’re going to say ‘hell no’ to.”
Expansion Beyond Detention: Southfield Office Space
Tlaib also raised concerns about ICE’s reported plans to lease additional office space in Southfield, suggesting a growth in the agency’s local legal and administrative operations. “The deportation machine depends on office buildings like the one they’re talking about in Southfield,” she asserted.
City officials in Southfield confirmed that the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) had executed a lease for office space at Oakland Towne Square, a privately-owned commercial complex. The city clarified that the space will be used for administrative and legal functions supporting ICE, and will not house enforcement officers.
Developer Clarification and Lease Terms
REDICO, the Southfield-based development company associated with Oakland Towne Square, issued a statement clarifying that it had not directly leased to ICE. “REDICO has not entered into a lease with ICE,” the statement read. “The lease in question is with the United States of America, by and through the General Services Administration (GSA), for general office use only.”
REDICO further emphasized that the lease explicitly prohibits any law enforcement, detention, or similar activities on the property and pledged to enforce these terms if violated. The company also offered to meet with Representative Tlaib to review the lease agreement and address any questions, highlighting its long-standing commitment to the Southfield community and transparency.
Community Mobilization and Upcoming Rally
The press conference included contributions from state Representatives Dylan Wegela and Ranjeev Puri, Reverend Paul Perez of Central United Methodist Church, Rabbi Asher Lopatin, and representatives from Michigan United Action, Indivisible, and Arab Americans for Progress. Organizers are urging supporters to attend a rally scheduled for Monday, February 23rd, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. outside Romulus City Hall at 11111 Wayne Road, prior to the City Council meeting.
Learn more about immigration issues and advocacy: American Civil Liberties Union – Immigrants’ Rights
