April 25, 2026, 3:34 PM ET
ROMULUS – A demonstration took place in Romulus on Saturday in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s proposal to establish an immigrant detention center in a warehouse near Detroit Metro Airport. This initiative is part of a broader federal strategy to ramp up the detainment and deportation of immigrants across the United States.
Approximately 200 demonstrators marched 2.4 miles from Romulus Middle School to the site on Cogswell Road, brandishing signs that criticized President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, as well as the aggressive enforcement actions by federal authorities in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis.
Beth St. Andrew, a Romulus resident, voiced her concerns as she prepared for the march. “I don’t want to see people treated the way ICE treats people,” she stated. St. Andrew believes that the presence of ICE facilities would negatively impact her hometown and feels a personal responsibility to voice her opposition to federal actions.
“I’m concerned about immigrants in our area,” she added. “I think we should all be concerned. I’m here today to at least make my voice heard.”
Michigan immigration agents are currently arresting thousands in a statewide crackdown. Reports from immigrant rights groups indicate that detainees at the privately operated ICE detention center in Baldwin have been on a hunger strike since April 19, protesting the unsatisfactory conditions at the Northlake Processing Center.
One of the protest organizers, Arika Lykan from Ypsilanti, highlighted the plight of Baldwin detainees as she addressed the crowd prior to the march. “They bravely go on hunger strike and endure cruel and inhumane conditions,” she said, emphasizing that their struggle is interconnected with that of the community in Romulus.
Rationale Behind the Proposed Detention Center in Romulus
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security explained in a recent court filing that they were compelled to purchase the Romulus warehouse as “political opposition” hindered their ability to find contractors willing to provide detention services. James Ingalsbe, deputy director of ICE’s Office of Property and Facilities Management, stated that acquiring real estate represents “the most reliable approach.”
The DHS plans to undertake renovations of the warehouse, including the installation of fencing, outdoor lighting, surveillance cameras, and security checkpoints.
In response, state and local leaders, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and officials from Romulus, have initiated a lawsuit aimed at blocking the construction of the detention center. They argue that the warehouse’s proximity to schools and residential areas makes it an unsuitable location, while also citing concerns over flooding risks and inadequate sewage treatment capacity. Both Nessel and the city of Romulus are seeking a temporary injunction to halt the project during the legal proceedings. Mayor Robert McCreight has contended that the DHS bypassed proper protocols in pursuing the development of the detention center.
Regular Protests Against ICE Facility in Romulus
The Camp Closure Coalition has been organizing weekly protests outside the Romulus warehouse, asserting that the Department of Homeland Security neglected to consult local officials and residents prior to purchasing the property. The coalition criticized the DHS for misusing taxpayer dollars and undermining local businesses that sought to acquire the warehouse.
As Saturday’s rally unfolded, Erin Carter from Romulus observed the march from her grandparents’ driveway, cheering the protesters and shouting “no ICE” as they passed. “Immigrants are human beings just like everyone else,” she emphasized.
Democratic Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, who is also a Detroit native and a candidate for secretary of state, joined protesters outside the warehouse, leading chants of “ICE out.” He took the microphone following Jaime Churches, a former Democratic state representative from Wyandotte seeking re-election.
“Our movement is stronger than their hate,” Gilchrist declared, eliciting cheers from the crowd. “Our vision is greater than their hatred. Our love is stronger than their hatred.”
While a small group of counter-protesters attempted to disrupt the speakers with bullhorns, the second protest at the warehouse commenced at 3 p.m., continuing the momentum of the movement against the proposed facility.
