Michigan Sues to Stop Planned ICE Detention Facility in Romulus

State and local officials take legal action to prevent the opening of a 500-bed immigration detention center.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 10:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Michigan Attorney General and Romulus city officials have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to prevent the opening of a planned 500-bed immigration detention facility in Romulus, Michigan. The facility was announced by ICE on February 16th, but state and local leaders argue the warehouse location is not suitable for a large detention center.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE detention center has faced strong opposition from state and local leaders who argue it is an inappropriate location and raises concerns about the treatment of immigrants. The legal challenge reflects growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and state/local governments over detention policies.

The details

In February, ICE announced it had purchased an existing warehouse in Romulus, near the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, to house up to 500 immigrant detainees. However, on March 24th, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Romulus city officials filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security to block the opening of the facility, arguing the warehouse is an unsuitable location for a large detention center.

  • On February 16, 2026, ICE announced it had purchased a warehouse in Romulus to house up to 500 immigrant detainees.
  • On March 24, 2026, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Romulus city officials filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the opening of the planned detention facility.

The players

Dana Nessel

The Attorney General of the state of Michigan who is leading the legal challenge against the planned ICE detention facility in Romulus.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees ICE and is the target of the lawsuit filed by Michigan and Romulus officials to block the opening of the planned detention center.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Romulus warehouse is simply not, and never will be, an appropriate place for a large detention facility.”

— Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General

What’s next

The judge presiding over the lawsuit will determine whether to issue an injunction to prevent the planned ICE detention facility from opening in Romulus.

The takeaway

This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement efforts and state/local governments that are seeking to limit or block the expansion of immigrant detention centers in their communities. The outcome could set an important precedent for how such disputes are resolved.