Livonia mayor says police policy being revised to limit immigration enforcement role

Livonia's administration told the City Council on Jan. 2026 that the Livonia Police Department is revising its immigration-related policy to align with municipal legal obligations and reduce local involvement in immigration-status enforcement. Erica Smith, the city's director of government affairs, read a letter from Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan noting the change.

"The LPD is in the process of amending its policy to better align with the legal obligations of municipalities," the letter read. The mayor's office said staff and police leadership are working with outside legal experts and community partners to "prioritize public safety while building the trust and security of all residents in our community." The letter concluded, "We understand that local resources should not be diverted for immigration status enforcement."

Council members did not vote on the change at the study session; the letter was presented to ensure council members had the full message ahead of future considerations. The administration characterized the revision as an internal policy update rather than a change to state or federal immigration law and said it requires time for legal review and coordination with police leadership.

Next steps: the administration did not present a draft ordinance or formal motion during the study session; staff indicated further work with police and legal counsel before any council action.