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Romulus leaders reiterate opposition to proposed ICE detention use as residents press for action
Summary
Mayor and council said the city unanimously opposes any ICE detention‑center use and described ongoing legal and legislative work; public commenters urged further action, announced coalition plans and warned of local disruptions if the facility proceeds.
The Romulus City Council and mayor reiterated unanimous opposition to any proposed use of a local facility by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while residents and advocacy groups urged the council to take immediate, concrete actions to prevent a detention use.
Mayor (name not given in the record) told the council the city has not received confirmed federal notification of an ICE plan but said staff located a FEMA flood‑plain narrative describing a possible use that was subsequently removed from the internet. The mayor said he and city staff have met with state and federal officials and that the city has received support letters from members of Congress identified in the record as Peters and Slotkin and from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Councilman David Jones said he attended an anti‑ICE coalition meeting and supported residents’ activism; Jones later offered a memorial resolution. During public comment, Matt Marlin of a coalition to “shut the camps” said his group has drafted a five‑step plan that would engage five regulatory agencies to slow or shut down the proposed facility and asked the city to become a signatory to a letter and to be present at a planned press release.
Other public commenters described the protest outside city hall and expressed both praise for the city’s professional handling of the event and worry about future disruptions. Michael Calabrese described watching activity at the facility, used the phrase “concentration camp” to describe the site, and urged the council to go beyond “strong words.” Diane Roy urged continued focus on housing challenges and public‑health concerns in local mobile‑home communities.
The council and mayor stressed they are pursuing legal and legislative paths and are coordinating with outside officials. The mayor asked for patience as administrative and legal work proceeds and asked that residents continue to provide information to support those efforts.
Next steps: Council asked administration and legal counsel to continue investigations and report back; residents said they would press for signatures on the coalition letter and planned a public press event.
