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Ypsilanti council urges bond hearing for resident detained by ICE, sends resolution to state and federal officials
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Summary
After extensive public comment from family and neighbors, the Ypsilanti City Council passed a walk-on resolution calling for a bond hearing and asking federal and state officials to advocate for Miguel Rosas Ruiz’s release from North Lake Detention Facility.
The Ypsilanti City Council passed a walk-on resolution Tuesday urging a bond hearing and the release of Miguel Rosas Ruiz, who residents say was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 10. The resolution, added to the agenda and carried by roll call, directs the city to send copies to Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Senators Gary Peters and (Alyssa) Slatkin, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer and asks those officials to advocate for Rosas Ruiz’s release.
Family members and more than a dozen neighbors told the council that Rosas Ruiz has lived in Ypsilanti since 2001, runs Rosa’s Painting and supports four children, including a 12‑year‑old who his daughter said is being heavily affected by his detention. “We’re asking that anything that can be done to support his release and to support him and his family,” said Maria Garcia, who identified herself as a neighbor. His daughter, Marilia Rosas Martinez, and son, Michael Rosas Martinez, each urged the council to write letters of support and pass a resolution.
Council members expressed appreciation for the turnout and pledged follow‑up. “We should make these efforts to try to get Miguel returned home,” Councilmember McLean said, summing statements from colleagues. Councilmember Jennifer Simmons thanked residents for engaging and characterized the response as showing the community’s values, saying “love trumps hate.”
Members and community organizers also discussed additional next steps suggested during public comment, including rapid response advocacy, welfare checks at the North Lake facility and potential legal action. The resolution itself asks the city to urge a bond hearing and to elevate Rosas Ruiz’s case to state and federal representatives; it does not direct the city to file litigation.
The council approved the measure by roll call. Council staff said they will forward the resolution and continue outreach to federal and state offices to seek updates on Rosas Ruiz’s condition and options to secure his release.
The council said it will continue to consider other community requests raised during public comment, including more detailed advocacy steps and coordinated civil‑society actions. The walking resolution was the most immediate formal response the council took at the meeting.
