LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – A broad coalition of elected officials, faith leaders, and advocacy organizations is calling on Congress to rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement as plans move forward for a federal detention facility in Romulus.
During a virtual press conference on Thursday, speakers criticized recent federal funding legislation that allocated billions of dollars to immigration enforcement while cutting other programs.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D- Ann Arbor) said she voted against the funding package and will not support additional ICE funding without major reforms.
“We cannot fund DHS or ICE until bold, meaningful, and transformational changes are made that stop ICE’s out-of-control brutality,” Dingell said.
She added, “Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for working people, not to fund an agency that’s brutalizing and killing American citizens.”
Organizers said ICE is planning to expand operations in Michigan, including converting a warehouse in Romulus into a detention center and opening office space in Southfield.
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib( D-Detroit) said the expansion reflects a broader escalation in enforcement.
“ICE is not welcome, not only in Romulus and Southfield. It is not welcome in Michigan,” Tlaib said. She also called for the agency to be abolished, arguing it “cannot be reformed.”
Faith leaders joined lawmakers in opposing the proposed expansion. Reverend Paul Perez urged clergy across the state to engage in what he described as “holy protest and sacred resistance.”
“Ice is not making our communities or our nation safer,” Perez said. “Ice needs to be stopped. Ice needs to be held accountable. Ice needs to be defunded.”
Community organizers outlined plans to gather at Romulus City Hall on Feb. 23 ahead of a city council meeting, saying residents deserve transparency and a voice in decisions that could affect neighborhoods, schools, and local infrastructure.
ICE has previously stated that it conducts community impact reviews before entering into new contracts. Local officials say they are exploring legal options related to the proposed facility.
The debate comes as immigration enforcement funding and detention expansion remain flashpoints nationally heading into the 2026 election cycle.
