Detroit Protesters Demand Senators Oppose DHS Funding for ICE

Activists brave cold to call on Peters and Slotkin to reject bill that would maintain ICE budget

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:39pm

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Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Detroit offices of U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, demanding the Democratic lawmakers vote against a Department of Homeland Security funding package that would continue to finance Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at current levels. The protesters urged the senators to stand firm in their stated opposition to the bill, which could trigger a partial government shutdown if no funding agreement is reached by Friday.

Why it matters

The protest comes amid growing calls to abolish ICE following recent incidents of violence by the agency, including the killings of two individuals in Minnesota. Activists argue that ICE has strayed from its original immigration enforcement mission and now operates as a tool of oppression against immigrant communities.

The details

The $64.4 billion DHS funding package was on track to pass with five other spending bills until the killing of an ICU nurse by ICE agents in Minneapolis sparked opposition from some Senate Democrats. Protesters, including members of Indivisible chapters from around metro Detroit, braved single-digit temperatures to demand Peters and Slotkin vote against the bill and work to defund ICE. Representatives from both senators' offices spoke with the protesters, who expressed gratitude for the engagement.

  • The DHS funding bill must be passed by Friday to avoid a partial government shutdown.
  • Two ICE-related killings have occurred in Minnesota since the start of 2026.

The players

Gary Peters

U.S. Senator for Michigan and a Democrat.

Elissa Slotkin

U.S. Senator for Michigan and a Democrat.

Ashley Perry

A leader with Indivisible Downriver United 734.

Sherri Masson

A leader for Indivisible Huron Valley.

Danielle Atkinson

Executive director of Detroit-based nonprofit Mothering Justice.

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What they’re saying

“Our big concern is that, last time this happened, eight senators buckled, and it was all for nothing because the healthcare vote came and went and nothing's come of it. When it comes to this, we don't want the money to go through, because we don't want this in our city, we don't want it in any other city and we want it out of Minnesota and everywhere else.”

— Ashley Perry, Leader, Indivisible Downriver United 734 (michiganadvance.com)

“I'm appalled at the violence of ICE and I don't think anybody is fooled any longer that this is about immigration. This is about instilling fear into communities.”

— Sherri Masson, Leader, Indivisible Huron Valley (michiganadvance.com)

“This murder does not exist in isolation. It reflects a broader and deeply troubling pattern of violence carried out through government systems that Black, brown, and immigrant communities have been experiencing for generations.”

— Danielle Atkinson, Executive Director, Mothering Justice (michiganadvance.com)

What’s next

The Senate must pass the DHS funding bill by Friday to avoid a partial government shutdown. Senators Peters and Slotkin have stated they will vote against the bill, but it remains to be seen if they will hold firm in the face of potential pressure to compromise.

The takeaway

This protest highlights the growing grassroots movement to abolish ICE and the pressure being placed on Democratic lawmakers to take a strong stance against the agency's continued funding and alleged abuses. The outcome of the DHS funding vote could have significant implications for the future of immigration enforcement in the United States.