Residents tell Adrian commission they fear ICE raids and call for oversight of police response

Several Adrian residents used the June 23 public-comment period to urge the City Commission to address alleged immigration-enforcement actions in Adrian and to clarify how local police will verify federal agents’ credentials.

Aaron Cheshire told the commission the community is ‘‘living in fear’’ and urged the commission to choose a city administrator ‘‘who’s willing to protect the people that live here’’ and ‘‘not let federal agencies tear our city apart without a fight.'' Jesse, representing Hope and Action, said he witnessed two men forcibly removed by unidentified armed individuals and alleged Adrian officers ‘‘sat across the street watching the entire event unfold, doing nothing to uphold their oath to protect and serve our community.’'

Multiple commenters described the June 14 incident as traumatic and cited individual consequences. Stephanie Lewis identified a detained man as Ronald Ortiz, said he was legally present and that his wife is on dialysis; Samara read testimony saying the detained husband had IDs, work visas, tax papers and attorney letters and said he was ‘‘taken without a warrant.’' Mercy Van Black said the detained man faces a July 2 hearing and asked the commission to explain what monitoring or protocols the Adrian Police Department is using to ensure agents present proper credentials and license plates.

Speakers pressed the commission to ask candidates for city administrator how they will respond to such enforcement actions and to prioritize public-safety leadership that builds trust with residents. Commenters asked the Adrian Police Department to monitor federal agents’ credentials and to communicate what steps the city will take to protect residents’ due process.

What the record shows: The meeting transcript records multiple accusations and demands for explanations but no formal response or action from the commission during the June 23 session. The claims in public comment remain unresolved in the meeting record pending any follow-up by city staff or formal action by the commission.

Next steps requested by residents: several speakers asked the commission to (1) explain any protocols that APD will use to verify federal agents’ legitimacy, (2) communicate a timeline for an answer so the community feels safe and (3) ensure the administrator search prioritizes candidates prepared to lead on public-safety and community-trust issues.

Representative quotes from public comment: "This is not what safety looks like... We will not let federal agencies tear our city apart without a fight," Aaron Cheshire said. Jesse said, "No one deserves to be ripped from their vehicle without due process." Samara read that the detained man "was taken without a warrant." Mercy Van Black asked the commission to explain "what avenues or protocols you were looking at moving forward and when we can expect an answer."