Muskegon City Commission adopts resolution opposing racial profiling

The Muskegon City Commission voted unanimously Sept. 23 to adopt a resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to the Constitution and to oppose racial profiling in law enforcement and immigration actions.

Commissioner Kilgo introduced the resolution, which recited that the mayor proclaimed Constitution Week and cited recent federal court developments and Justice Department guidance on racial profiling. “City of Muskegon, resolution against racial profiling,” Kilgo said while presenting the text to the commission.

The resolution cites a Sept. 9, 2025, mayoral proclamation designating Constitution Week and references a June 2023 U.S. Department of Justice fact sheet describing racial profiling as “the erroneous assumption that an individual of a particular race or ethnicity is likely to be violating the law.” The resolution also mentions a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision noted in the presentation and states that the decision was not the final ruling on whether federal immigration agents may stop and question people based on perceived ethnicity alone. The resolution affirms the commission’s moral opposition to racial profiling and reaffirms “its commitment to the ideals of The United States Constitution.”

Commissioner Willie German Jr., who spoke in support of the resolution, said he has observed racial profiling in the community and described the personal impact. “As a commissioner and being active in the community... I have been a victim of racial profiling myself. I know what it looks like, and I know what it feels like, and it's not a good feeling,” German said.

Other commissioners voiced support as well. One commissioner said she has worried about the safety of people she cares about who are Black and said the commission should “use all the power that we have to make sure that we are on the right side of history.” Another commissioner noted historical limitations of the Constitution and referenced amendments and the Emancipation Proclamation while urging continued efforts to heal and change.

The commission took a roll-call vote after discussion; Commissioner German, Commissioner Gorman, Commissioner Cochin, Vice Mayor St. Clair and Commissioner Kilgo all voted yes. Mayor Johnson was absent. The motion passed.

The resolution does not create new city rules or enforcement mechanisms; it is a formal statement of position. The document references federal guidance and constitutional protections but does not direct changes to local ordinances or department policies in text presented at the meeting.

The full resolution and meeting minutes are available through the city clerk’s office and the city’s website.