Detroit, Highland Park Officials ‘Learning More’ About Reported ICE Facility Plan

December 31, 2025

A warehouse facility in Highland Park, Michigan, was identified in media reports as a potential site for a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing center, prompting concern among local officials and community members. Ashley Capital, the development firm operating the 446,500 square-foot Means Logistics Park building, has clarified that the property is currently leased to DTE Energy and therefore unavailable for such use. Local leaders including Highland Park Mayor Glenda McDonald and State Senator Stephanie Chang have expressed opposition to any ICE facility in their area and have been attempting to contact federal officials for verification.

Who is affected

Non-citizen immigrants and detainees
Highland Park residents and community members
Highland Park Mayor Glenda McDonald
State Senator Stephanie Chang
Detroit City Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero
Southwest Detroit communities
Non-citizen students at Western International High School
Ashley Capital (development firm)
DTE Energy (current tenant)
Kyle Morton (vice president of development at Ashley Capital)
Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD)

What action is being taken

Officials in Highland Park and Wayne County are attempting to gather more information about the reported ICE processing site plans
Mayor Glenda McDonald is trying to learn more about the situation
State Senator Stephanie Chang is reaching out to federal officials for verification and details
Chang is communicating with Mayor McDonald and Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips to strategize
Local activists and elected officials report that the Trump administration has ramped up immigration enforcement in their communities

Why it matters

This matters because it represents a significant expansion of immigration detention infrastructure that would directly impact local communities. The proposed facilities would be part of a system designed to detain over 80,000 immigrants simultaneously and establish a streamlined deportation process, marking a substantial shift in immigration enforcement policy. The controversy highlights tensions between federal immigration policy and local community values, as Highland Park leaders have expressed united opposition to hosting such facilities. Additionally, the issue affects vulnerable populations including detained students and immigrant communities experiencing increased enforcement actions.

What's next

State Senator Chang, Mayor McDonald, and Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips are strategizing together and preparing their response while awaiting federal verification of the reports.

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle