DHS Secures Building in Romulus, Mayor Raises Concerns

Romulus mayor says federal agency has taken over a building in the city, raising questions about its intended use.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The mayor of Romulus, Michigan, has announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has secured a building in the city, located at 7525 Cogswell St. The mayor says he has spoken to DHS representatives who confirmed the agency's control of the facility, but he is concerned about its intended use and is working with legal counsel to determine the city's authority in the matter.

Why it matters

The mayor's announcement has raised concerns among local officials and residents about the federal government's plans for the building, with some worrying it could be used as a detention center, which the city has said it will oppose. The situation highlights tensions between local and federal authorities over the use of public spaces and the need for transparency in government decision-making.

The details

According to the mayor, DHS representatives have verbally confirmed the agency's control of the building, but the city has not received any formal communication from the federal government as required by law. The mayor is getting "mixed reports" on the intended use of the facility and is working with lawmakers and legal counsel to determine the city's options.

  • On Friday, February 14, 2026, the mayor of Romulus announced that DHS has secured a building in the city.

The players

Robert A. McCraight

The mayor of Romulus, Michigan, who announced that DHS has secured a building in the city and is raising concerns about its intended use.

Dylan Wegela

A state representative from Garden City, Michigan, who said he drove by the building in Romulus that the federal agency plans to use and criticized the lack of notification to local and state officials.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that has secured a building in Romulus, Michigan, according to the mayor.

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What they’re saying

“Although we still have not been officially notified by any formal communication from the Federal government (as required by law), we have spoken to actual representatives from the DHS on site who verbally confirmed that DHS has secured the building located at 7525 Cogswell in Romulus.”

— Robert A. McCraight, Mayor of Romulus (cbsnews.com)

“Shame on the federal government for planning in secret and coming to our community without notifying anyone at the Congressional, state, or local level.”

— Dylan Wegela, State Representative (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The mayor of Romulus says the city is working with legal counsel to determine what authority it has in the matter and is telling lawmakers "at all levels" that a detention center is not permitted and will be opposed by the city.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over the use of public spaces and the need for greater transparency in government decision-making, especially when it comes to the potential establishment of federal facilities in local communities.