Romulus, MI – The Romulus City Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve a resolution opposing a planned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility inside city limits. The vote came after heated protests outside city hall and hours of public comment inside.
The resolution carries no legal authority to block the project, and the sale of the warehouse has already been finalized.
The facility in question is a roughly 260,000 to 300,000 square-foot warehouse located near Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Cogswell Street. Reports earlier this month indicated the federal government was pursuing the property for use as a 500-bed ICE detention center as part of a broader national expansion of immigration enforcement operations.
Monday’s council vote signals political opposition. It does not stop federal action.
Under federal law, immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction. Local municipalities do not have authority to override federal agency land use once a property transaction is complete and zoning requirements are met. Even state lawmakers acknowledged there is “little that can be done” to prevent the federal government from moving forward after outbidding private entities for the warehouse space.
Outside city hall, anti-ICE protesters clashed with counter-demonstrators supporting enforcement efforts. Police separated groups as tensions escalated. Inside, residents voiced concerns ranging from property values to moral objections.
ICE has previously stated the project would generate 1,458 jobs and nearly $150 million in economic impact, including more than $33 million in projected tax revenue. The agency also argues that expanded detention capacity supports public safety operations.
Critics, however, argue the presence of a detention center could hurt nearby property values and change the character of the community.
Romulus passed a resolution. The federal government purchased the building. Unless a legal challenge emerges with actual jurisdictional standing, the project is moving forward.
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