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Residents urge Washtenaw County to declare county properties off‑limits to ICE

Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners · January 8, 2026

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Summary

Multiple public commenters asked Washtenaw County to adopt an 'ICE‑free zone' policy after alleged local immigration enforcement incidents and a claim that ICE subpoenaed county records; commissioners said they were working on a resolution and asked staff to follow up.

Multiple residents and immigrant‑rights organizers used the meeting's public comment period to press the county to adopt policies preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and related federal immigration enforcement from accessing county buildings, property or records. Laura Sanders (Dexter Township) said several community members were taken by ICE from public places over the past year and asserted that ICE had subpoenaed Washtenaw County records. She asked the board to "champion an ice free zone policy" and put a resolution on a near‑term agenda.

Mary Anne Peron (Ann Arbor), representing the Movement for Immigrant Rights Action (MIRA), urged the board to adopt a resolution barring ICE access to county facilities and resources and to establish clear practices denying ICE use of county property. Richard Stoller Shulk (MIRA) also urged county protections and pointed to alleged "shadowy charter flights" from Willow Run Airport used to transfer detainees.

Commissioners signaled they were working on resolutions in response to public comment. Commissioner Ravi said he was collaborating with others on a resolution and Commissioner Scott acknowledged ongoing efforts. No formal policy was adopted at the meeting; commissioners asked county staff and the board's processes to continue work on possible resolutions.

Ending: The board heard multiple requests to place an ICE‑access resolution on a future agenda; commissioners said they were preparing or collaborating on resolutions and would bring items forward for consideration.