Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Demands ICE Halt Plans for New Detention Center Near Romulus

Dana Nessel issued a formal demand to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on February 27, 2026, calling for an immediate halt to plans for a new immigration detention center in the Romulus area. In a letter made public as March began, Nessel argued that the proposed facility lacks transparency and has failed to adequately address community concerns or potential civil rights impacts.

The move comes amid heightened debate over federal immigration enforcement in Michigan, particularly within the federal 100 mile border zone that includes cities such as Flint and Detroit. Nessel’s demand underscores growing tension between state officials and federal agencies over how immigration laws are enforced and where detention facilities are located.

While ICE has not issued a formal response, advocacy groups have praised the attorney general’s action as a step toward protecting Michigan residents from what they view as federal overreach. The dispute also raises broader legal questions about the extent of state authority when challenging federal projects.

As the issue moves toward potential legal action, questions remain about whether Michigan has the power to block the construction of a federally operated detention center and what this conflict could mean for the future of immigration enforcement in the state.

Should the State of Michigan have the authority to block federal detention centers from being built in local communities, or should those decisions rest solely with the federal government?