Bay City Commission Affirms Constitutional Immigration Policing

Commissioners approve resolution on community safety and legal compliance.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:50am

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A dimly lit city street scene with a single streetlamp casting warm, golden light and deep shadows on the empty sidewalk, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation around the local immigration policy debate.The Bay City Commission's vote on immigration enforcement reflects the complex, nuanced discussions taking place in communities across the country.Bay City Today

The Bay City Commission has approved a resolution affirming constitutional policing practices, community safety, and compliance with applicable laws regarding immigration enforcement. The resolution was approved in an 8-1 vote, with one commissioner raising concerns about surrounding communities not addressing the issue.

Why it matters

The resolution aims to protect the city from potential legal and fiscal liabilities by ensuring the police department's immigration enforcement practices adhere to the constitution. However, the lone dissenting vote expressed concerns that the city may be acting alone on this issue compared to neighboring communities.

The details

The commissioners approved the immigration resolution, which affirms the city's commitment to constitutional policing, community safety, and compliance with applicable laws. The public safety director stated the resolution does not change current policing practices. Commissioner Christopher Runberg said the resolution is meant to protect those in the city legally, not to attract 'throngs of unwashed migrants.' Commissioner Mark Zanotti cast the sole dissenting vote, questioning why surrounding communities have not addressed immigration enforcement.

  • The Bay City Commission voted on the resolution on March 6, 2026.

The players

Christopher Runberg

A Bay City commissioner who supported the resolution, stating it is meant to protect those in the city legally.

Mark Zanotti

A Bay City commissioner who cast the lone dissenting vote, questioning why surrounding communities have not addressed immigration enforcement.

Bay City Commission

The governing body of Bay City, Michigan that approved the immigration enforcement resolution.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't to protect people who are here unlawfully. This is to protect those folks who are here legally. This doesn't mean that we're going to have throngs of unwashed migrants come into our community. That's not what this is about.”

— Christopher Runberg, Bay City Commissioner

“How come Monitor, Bangor and Bay County – they're not addressing this at all? Are we that much smarter than everybody, or do they just know better than us that this isn't something we should mess with? With that being said I'll be voting no on the resolution.”

— Mark Zanotti, Bay City Commissioner

The takeaway

The Bay City Commission's approval of the immigration enforcement resolution highlights the ongoing debate around local policies regarding immigration, with supporters arguing it protects legal residents and critics questioning why neighboring communities have not taken similar actions.