State and City Officials Challenge DHS Plan to Convert Warehouse into Detention Facility
State and city officials have taken legal action to prevent the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from repurposing a former warehouse in Romulus, Michigan, into a facility that could potentially house hundreds of immigrant detainees.
In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel outlined several reasons why she believes the warehouse near the Detroit Metro Airport is unsuitable for ICE detention purposes.
Nessel stated, “As the state’s attorney general, I have a legal and moral authority to act if and when this administration behaves unlawfully and does so in a way that harms Michigan’s residents.”
The complaint argues that the facility lacks adequate space, health and sanitation systems, and infrastructure to accommodate up to 500 detainees simultaneously. It also highlights the financial burden the city of Romulus would bear in managing increased traffic and security if the project moves forward.
Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight criticized DHS for failing to consult with the city or address its concerns. He pointed out that the building, originally intended for industrial use, is situated in a flood plain, violates zoning regulations, and is too close to residential areas and schools.
Despite the opposition, the Department of Homeland Security has not provided any comments on the matter.
Legal Challenges and Community Resistance
While the federal government is not obligated to adhere to local zoning ordinances, communities have limited legal recourse to impede ICE’s construction plans. However, communities have pursued legal avenues to contest the establishment of detention facilities.
ICE has encountered resistance nationwide as it seeks to expand its network of detention centers. Recently, a federal judge in Maryland halted the construction of an immigration detention center following a state lawsuit alleging insufficient environmental review and public input.
