Detroit Leaders Demand Limits on ICE, Call for Pause in Funding

NAACP, advocacy groups, and churches urge Congress to rein in immigration enforcement and increase transparency.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Leaders from the NAACP Detroit Branch, local advocacy groups, and churches held a press conference on Friday, January 30th, calling on Michigan's congressional representatives to create and support policies that limit the power of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They demanded a pause in funding for the Department of Homeland Security, independent investigations into alleged killings and abuses by ICE agents, and the removal of the DHS Secretary.

Why it matters

The event follows weeks of intense immigration enforcement and protests in Minneapolis that have left at least two dead. Local leaders are seeking to address concerns about racial profiling, civil liberties violations, and lack of accountability within federal immigration agencies like ICE.

The details

The press conference included representatives from the United Auto Workers Ford unit, Latino Americans for Social and Economic Development, the Arab American Civil Rights League, the National Conference of Black Lawyers Michigan Chapter, and local churches. They urged Congress to deny additional funding for DHS, withhold funds already allocated for ICE, provide independent investigations into alleged killings and abuses, pass policies to unmask and train ICE agents, end federal immunity for agents, and remove the DHS Secretary from power.

  • The press conference was held on Friday, January 30, 2026.
  • It followed weeks of intense immigration enforcement and protests in Minneapolis that have left at least two dead.

The players

Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony

President of the NAACP Detroit Branch.

Rev. Tellis Chapman

Pastor of Gailee Missionary Baptist Church.

A'Naya Jones

Vice President of the NAACP Michigan State Conference Youth and College Division.

Sens. Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters

Michigan senators who said they would vote against a Department of Homeland Security funding bill.

John James

Michigan Republican representative who did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.