Can Michigan block new ICE facilities? How officials are fighting back

March 2, 2026

The Trump administration is moving forward with plans to convert a warehouse in Romulus, Michigan into an immigrant detention center capable of holding detainees, despite strong opposition from state and local officials. Michigan's Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel has demanded ICE halt the project, citing lack of transparency and failure to coordinate with state authorities, while Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight has pledged not to issue permits for the facility. ICE has already purchased the property and claims the project will create over 1,400 jobs and generate more than $33 million in tax revenue, though local officials argue it will negatively impact their community's infrastructure and property values.

Who is affected

Residents of Romulus, Michigan
Immigrants and potential detainees who would be held at the facility
Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight and city council members
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
State Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton)
US Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit)
Students and staff at Romulus Middle School and Wick Elementary School (both within two miles of the facility)
Residents of Southfield, Michigan (facing similar ICE office space lease situation)
Property owner REDICO in Southfield
Communities in at least 20 locations nationwide where ICE is acquiring warehouses
ICE agents and personnel
Local public safety departments in Romulus

What action is being taken

The Department of Homeland Security is planning to retrofit a 473,158-square-foot warehouse in Romulus
ICE is establishing a secure operational area on approximately 19 acres
ICE is installing 3,800 linear feet of new perimeter security fencing, wastewater upgrades, security checkpoints, cameras, lighting, and outdoor recreation courts
Attorney General Dana Nessel is demanding ICE halt the project through a letter sent on Friday
Mayor McCraight is refusing to issue permits or certificates of occupancy for the facility
Michigan Democrats in Congress are urging the Trump administration to abandon the plans
State and local officials are exploring all options to block the facility
Senator Darrin Camilleri is working with the mayor and city council to oppose the project
Southfield officials are attempting to pressure the property owner to sever ties with ICE
Democratic lawmakers are pursuing state-level limits on ICE operations
Community activists are holding protests and rallies

Why it matters

This situation is significant because it represents a major expansion of immigrant detention infrastructure in Michigan, where ICE already operates the Midwest's largest detention center. The controversy highlights fundamental tensions between federal immigration enforcement powers and state/local autonomy, as the Trump administration pursues mass deportation efforts while bypassing traditional coordination processes with local governments. The secrecy surrounding these acquisitions across 20 communities nationwide sets a concerning precedent for federal-local relations and raises questions about community safety, infrastructure capacity, and proper oversight. The outcome in Romulus could influence how similar conflicts play out in other communities and determine whether local governments have meaningful power to resist federal projects they believe will harm their residents. Additionally, the conversion of warehouses not designed for human occupancy into detention facilities raises serious concerns about detainee safety and wellbeing.

What's next

ICE has promised to conduct a community impact study and due diligence process regarding local utilities and infrastructure
The project may require state and local coordination or permits that officials could potentially use to block it
Attorney General Nessel has not ruled out additional legal action beyond her demand letter
Democratic lawmakers are continuing to pursue state-level legislation to limit ICE operations, including bans on ICE agents wearing masks, immigration enforcement raids in sensitive areas, and protections for private data
Community protests are expected to continue, with Senator Jeremy Moss predicting weekly demonstrations
The rezoning and permitting process could take months and would require city council approval
The federal government may attempt to use its legal authority to preempt state and local land-use rules

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com