How should Detroit protect immigrants?

June 11, 2025

Detroit City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero has expressed concerns about a proposed resolution opposing President Trump's immigration enforcement policies, stating it could be ineffective and potentially endanger vulnerable communities. Activists urged the council to declare Detroit a sanctuary city and reject cooperation with federal law enforcement following Trump's deployment of military forces to Los Angeles to counter protests. Santiago-Romero, who represents immigrant communities in Southwest Detroit, emphasized that the city already has policies preventing police from enforcing immigration laws and questioned the efficacy of fighting fascism through resolutions.

Who is affected

Immigrant communities in Detroit, particularly in Southwest Detroit
Local elected officials who could face criminalization for opposing federal policies
Detroit residents, especially undocumented immigrants
Protesters in Los Angeles facing federal military intervention
Detroit Police Department (regarding enforcement policies)

What action is being taken

Activists are presenting a draft resolution to the Detroit City Council opposing federal military deployments
Detroit maintains existing policies preventing police from enforcing immigration laws
Detroiters are organizing a June 14 rally at Clark Park as part of a national mobilization against "would-be kings"
Santiago-Romero is actively addressing deportation cases "in real-time"
The council has declared June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Immigrant Heritage Month, and Caribbean American Heritage Month

Why it matters

This situation addresses fundamental questions about local versus federal authority in immigration enforcement and the protection of civil liberties. The deployment of military forces against protesters in Los Angeles has raised concerns about potential similar actions in Detroit, threatening residents' rights to protest and democratic principles. For immigrant communities in Detroit, the resolution could impact their safety and security, though Santiago-Romero warns that symbolic gestures may not provide real protection. The debate highlights growing tensions between local governance and federal immigration enforcement under the current administration.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article regarding the proposed resolution against federal immigration enforcement.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com