Romulus council unanimously adopts resolution opposing proposed ICE detention center after large public outcry

Romulus City Council on Monday adopted a resolution formally opposing the establishment, construction or operation of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center within the city limits, saying such a facility would strain local public safety and municipal services.

Councilwoman Celeste Roscoe read the resolution in full and moved for its adoption; the motion was seconded by Councilman Wadsworth and approved by unanimous roll call. The resolution directs the city to transmit copies to the Department of Homeland Security and the city’s state and federal legislative representatives.

The vote followed more than an hour of public comment from residents and local officials. State Representative Dylan Megela, introduced by the clerk, told the council he would support legislative and community efforts opposing the detention center and publicized an ACLU "know your rights" training for residents. Protesters and speakers outside and inside the chambers framed the proposed site as a threat to neighborhood safety, character and children’s welfare. Joe Gishore told the council, “hundreds of our neighbors and friends marched outside today because they don't wanna see concentration camps built in Romulus, Milan, or any other city.”

Mayor McCray told the council the city had sent an official letter on Feb. 16 to state and federal officials and that the administration had notified the governor’s office and state legislators; he said the reported site does not meet Romulus’s zoning requirements. The mayor also said the city will not issue a permit or certificate of occupancy for the structure “unless we're mandated by a federal judge,” indicating the city’s limited authority to block federal use of private property.

Speakers urged a range of responses beyond passing a resolution: some asked the council to pursue legal and administrative blocking measures, others urged condemnation of the building or local action such as cutting utilities; several asked the city to refuse data-sharing with ICE and to adopt formal policies limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The resolution and the council’s accompanying letters represent the council’s formal policy posture; speakers and some council members said additional legal and organizing steps were under consideration. The council also passed a separate resolution to oppose several Michigan House bills (5529, 5530, 5531 and 5532) that the mayor characterized as limiting local regulatory authority.

What’s next: the resolution will be transmitted to DHS and state and federal representatives as the council and the mayor’s office continue outreach and coordination with legal counsel and community groups.