Michigan Lawmakers, Advocates Oppose New ICE Detention Center in Romulus
ROMULUS, MI – A broad coalition of Michigan faith leaders, immigrant advocates, and elected officials voiced strong opposition on Thursday, February 19, to a federal plan to convert a warehouse in Romulus into an immigration detention center. Speakers at an online press conference accused U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of expanding detention operations without adequate oversight and contributing to fear within immigrant communities across Southeast Michigan.
The proposed facility, located at 7525 Cogswell Street, spans over a quarter-million square feet. Signs indicating DHS building regulations have been posted on the building’s exterior, according to reports.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, stated her opposition to continued funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless changes are made to immigration enforcement practices. “Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life better and more affordable, not fund a rogue agency that is detaining and brutalizing people,” Dingell said, adding that she voted against a recent DHS funding bill and intends to continue doing so “until these abuses end.”
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, characterized the planned Romulus facility as part of what she described as an “unprecedented expansion” of ICE operations in the region. She referred to the project as a “warehouse prison,” criticizing the repurposing of a building previously slated for hundreds of automotive jobs.
“ICE is now attempting to expand right here, an unprecedented expansion not only in one community, but two,” Tlaib said. “And this warehouse in Romulus… 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.”
Tlaib also raised concerns about reported plans by ICE to lease additional office space in Southfield, alleging that the agency is growing its legal and administrative operations locally. “The deportation machine depends on office buildings like the one they’re talking about in Southfield,” she stated.
City officials in Southfield have confirmed that the U.S. General Services Administration executed a lease for office space at Oakland Towne Square, a privately owned commercial complex. According to the city, the space will be used for administrative and legal functions, and will not house enforcement officers.
REDICO, the Southfield-based development company associated with the property, stated that it has not directly leased to ICE. “REDICO has not entered into a lease with ICE,” the company said in a statement. “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 stated that the lease terms explicitly prohibit any law enforcement, detention, or similar activities at the property, and that the company is prepared to enforce those terms if violated. REDICO also offered to meet with Tlaib to review the lease agreement and address any questions, emphasizing its long-standing commitment to the Southfield community and its dedication to safety and transparency.
Joining Dingell and Tlaib at the press conference were state Reps. Dylan Wegela and Ranjeev Puri, Rev. Paul Perez of Central United Methodist Church, Rabbi Asher Lopatin, and representatives from Michigan United Action, Indivisible, and Arab Americans for Progress.
State Rep. Wegela, D-Garden City, went further, stating that ICE should be abolished altogether. “ICE agents don’t need more training; they don’t need body cams. They need a different job,” Wegela said.
Organizers are encouraging supporters to attend a rally scheduled for Monday, February 23, from 5:30 p.m. To 7:30 p.m. Outside Romulus City Hall at 11111 Wayne Road, prior to the City Council meeting.
