Washtenaw County Residents Protest Local ICE Activity

Community members express concerns over ICE presence near schools and on University of Michigan campus.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 5:19am

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In recent weeks, community members in Washtenaw County, Michigan have assembled in protest of increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the area. This follows reports of ICE agents detaining parents of students near Ypsilanti Community Schools and concerns raised by University of Michigan students and faculty about ICE presence on and around campus.

Why it matters

The heightened ICE activity in Washtenaw County has sparked fears and anxiety among immigrant communities, with concerns that it could disrupt students' education and make them feel unsafe. The University of Michigan and local government officials have responded by reaffirming their commitment to protecting undocumented residents, though some disagree with the measures taken.

The details

On January 27, the superintendent of Ypsilanti Public Schools notified families that ICE agents had been spotted detaining parents near school grounds. This prompted community members to organize protests against the ICE presence. The University of Michigan also sent an email to the campus community outlining students' rights and available support services in response to the increased ICE activity in the area.

  • On January 27, the Ypsilanti Public Schools superintendent reported ICE agents detaining parents near school grounds.
  • On January 30, University of Michigan officials sent an email to the campus community about ICE activity and available support services.
  • On February 2, the Ann Arbor City Council reaffirmed and expanded their non-cooperation policy with ICE, prohibiting city officials from assisting ICE without a judicial warrant.
  • On January 21, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution to prevent ICE from entering county property without a valid warrant and from wearing face coverings unless necessary for public health or safety reasons.

The players

Alena Zachery-Ross

Superintendent of Ypsilanti Public Schools, who notified families about ICE agents detaining parents near school grounds.

Chris Kolb

Vice president for community relations at the University of Michigan, who sent an email to the campus community about ICE activity and available support services.

Tim Lynch

Vice president and general council at the University of Michigan, who sent an email to the campus community about ICE activity and available support services.

Hiab Teshome

President of the Graduate Employees' Organization at the University of Michigan, who expressed concerns about the impact of ICE activity on campus.

Lucía Peña

Outreach coordinator for the American Civil Liberties Union Undergraduate Chapter at the University of Michigan, who expressed concerns about the impact of ICE activity on students' ability to focus on their academics.

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What they’re saying

“It makes it scary to live their lives. It's the issue that is concerning to them because it is affecting their lives and their ability to live. It's a wide-felt issue across campus, not just with graduate students. What we know is that now more than ever we need to protect each other and find community, because we know that the University is not going to do that for us.”

— Hiab Teshome, President of the Graduate Employees' Organization at the University of Michigan

“I think it's misaligned with the mission of a public university and the goals for the students within this university. It creates fear that discourages students from being able to live their life fully.”

— Lucía Peña, Outreach coordinator for the American Civil Liberties Union Undergraduate Chapter at the University of Michigan

“They've been in Ypsilanti, they're around Michigan, around the country. If the University and the city of Ann Arbor can't protect those students, then it's very hypocritical for the University to claim to be a university that's promoting cultural involvement and integrity, and global involvement and success, if they can't support the diversity of their students.”

— Jolene Frey, Co-president of College Democrats at the University of Michigan

What’s next

The Ann Arbor City Council and Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners have taken steps to limit ICE's ability to operate in the area, but community members are calling on the University of Michigan to do more to protect undocumented students and staff.

The takeaway

The heightened ICE activity in Washtenaw County has created a climate of fear and uncertainty for immigrant communities, particularly those with ties to the University of Michigan. While local officials have taken measures to restrict ICE's presence, there are ongoing concerns about the University's ability and willingness to fully support and protect its diverse student body.