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Highland Park official denies confirmed ICE detention plans, outlines long timeline for development and lead-line work
Summary
An unidentified city official told residents there is no confirmed ICE detention center in Highland Park, described one building inquiry that was turned down, reviewed the multi-step planning and funding process for development, and highlighted infrastructure work to remove lead service lines.
An unidentified city official opened a 2026 community address to Highland Park residents and sought to calm rumors that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans a detention center in the city, saying "Nothing has been confirmed of a ICE detention center in the city of Highland Park." The speaker said they are working with Senator Stephanie Chang, state Rep. Tanya Meyer Phillips and the U.S. senators' office in Washington, D.C., to gather factual information.
The official said inquiries had been made about one building but that the request was turned down and that DTE is currently the lessee of that property. "Have we heard any other about any other buildings that has been approached? No. Not at this time," the speaker said, and warned residents against spreading unverified information that could create panic.
Turning to economic development, the speaker described the multi-step process for new projects: planning review, council consideration and, if approved, surveys and securing remaining funding. They emphasized that developers typically must have roughly half their funding in place before purchasing large commercial properties and that projects can take years. "Most people think that development should happen overnight," the speaker said, adding that progress will be incremental and that residents should be patient.
On infrastructure, the official highlighted ongoing efforts to replace lead service lines, saying the goal is that "there will not be lead lines under the ground in the city of Highland Park" and framing the work as a public-health improvement for children. The speaker said the city has secured funding for such projects without taking out loans.
The address closed with an invitation to monthly "chat, coffee and conversation" meetings for residents (the speaker said they are held the second Wednesday of each month and will move from a morning time to 5 p.m. on Zoom or Teams to increase participation) and provided an email contact given in the transcript as "gmcdonaldhighlandparkmi dot gov." The official urged residents to seek information firsthand at meetings or by contacting city directors and said they would forward questions to get answers.
The remarks presented updates and reassurances but included no formal motions, votes or council actions in the transcript.
