Dana Nessel asks residents to report ‘concerning’ ICE actions in Michigan

February 4, 2026

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has established a public reporting system for residents to document concerning activities by federal immigration enforcement agents operating within the state. The initiative, announced alongside various officials and advocates in Detroit, aims to monitor how increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration affects Michigan communities, particularly following violent incidents in Minnesota. While deportations and detentions in Michigan have tripled compared to the previous year, Nessel warns she will prosecute unlawful actions by federal officers and has already received over 5,000 public emails about immigration enforcement.

Who is affected

Michigan residents, particularly immigrant communities
Federal ICE agents operating in Michigan
People detained at North Lake Correctional Facility in Baldwin (3,338 detained through October 2025, mostly from Mexico)
2,349 people arrested by ICE in Michigan from January through October 2025
Local law enforcement agencies including Michigan State Police, Genesee County Sheriff's Office, and Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
Detroit constituents represented by City Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero
Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good (killed in Minnesota during immigration enforcement encounters)

What action is being taken

Michigan Attorney General's office is collecting reports through a public form monitoring ICE activity
The office is monitoring submitted photos, videos, and reports daily
ICE continues enforcing immigration laws as set forth by Congress
The Trump administration is withdrawing 700 immigration agents from Minnesota (though 2,000 remain)
New York Attorney General Letitia James is sending legal observers as neutral witnesses to ICE raids
Republican-leaning states including Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky are encouraging greater ICE collaboration through grant programs and legislation

Why it matters

This initiative represents a significant confrontation between state and federal law enforcement authority over immigration policy implementation. The tripling of arrests and detentions in Michigan demonstrates the substantial escalation of enforcement activity, creating fear within immigrant communities and raising concerns about potential civil rights violations. The effort tests the boundaries of state oversight of federal operations while attempting to balance public safety, community trust in local law enforcement, and constitutional protections. The contrasting approaches between Democratic and Republican-led states also highlights the deeply partisan nature of immigration enforcement and reflects broader national tensions over executive authority and federalism.

What's next

Nessel's office will continue daily monitoring of submitted reports, photos, and videos
The Trump administration aims to "achieve a complete drawdown and end the surge" of agents in Minnesota
Collected information could potentially be used "in a legal proceeding or public report or statement"
Information may be shared with local law enforcement or other third parties

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com