Adrian police outline limits of city authority as residents ask city to shield immigrant families

Acting city administrator and Police Chief Vince Emmerich told the Adrian City Commission that federal immigration officers have been observed in the area and described how their authority differs from local law enforcement.

"They do not have to wear a traditional uniform," Emmerich said, adding that federal officers "have to identify themselves to the person they are taking into custody," but are not required to show paperwork to bystanders. He explained administrative warrants and contrasted them with judicial warrants used by local police.

Emmerich reviewed recent local reports that prompted community concern — including arrests reported at Alpha Coney Island, vehicles staging at Frontier Communications and an unconfirmed social-media report about several people at Sand Creek Apartments — and said his office is still investigating some claims. He said Department of Homeland Security told staff it did not pick anyone up at the apartment complex, and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had not yet clarified some reports.

In response to commissioner and resident questions, Emmerich described a new internal tracking code to log federal assists and said the department has recorded only a handful of formal record requests in the last two years, but that federal practices appear to be changing. On 287(g) — the Immigration and Nationality Act provision that can delegate certain immigration functions to local officers — Emmerich said Adrian has not been approached and that "we have no interest in 287(g)."

Advocacy groups and residents urged stronger, active protections. Ali Quinn of Hope and Action said the community has both "hope" and "fear," adding: "Parents are afraid to take their kids to school. Workers are afraid to report crimes." Jesse, a Zoom participant, called on the city to publicly condemn racial profiling and to "establish clear enforceable policies for police interacting with ICE."

Several speakers pressed for a firm city position and permanent policies. Commissioner Mary Roberts, who read prepared remarks to the commission, asked residents to avoid division amid the debate: "We cannot let this divide us," she said, urging unity and caution.

What the city did: commissioners heard the educational presentation, asked staff to keep investigating local reports (including Sand Creek Apartments), and discussed potential next steps such as drafting municipal policy to align city departments with police practices. No ordinance or formal policy was adopted at the meeting; commissioners and staff repeatedly noted the limits of municipal authority over federal immigration enforcement and encouraged residents to contact federal representatives about broader policy changes.

What's next: Emmerich said he will make himself available for follow-up questions and will post contact information for residents. Several community groups said they will continue advocacy and asked the commission to reject any future proposals to deputize local officers under 287(g).