Protesters Rally Against Proposed ICE Detention Center in Romulus
On Saturday, hundreds of protesters converged in Romulus, Michigan, to voice their opposition to a planned 500-bed ICE detention center set to be established in a former industrial warehouse. The demonstrators rallied to uphold their belief in constitutional due process and to express discontent with the current administration’s immigration policies.
Voices of Dissent Echo in the Streets
Among those attending the protest was Gerwin Garza, a 53-year-old resident of Ferndale, who passionately stated, “I want people to know that what’s happening is wrong. We have constitutional due process in this country, and the current presidential administration is not following it.”
Marching for Change
The group began their demonstration at Romulus Middle School, marching toward the 261,450-square-foot warehouse located at 7525 Cogswell Street. Participants carried signage denouncing both ICE and the administration of former President Donald Trump, which they claim seeks to expedite the deportation of immigrants.
Local Leaders Unite Against the Detention Center
The proposal to build the new facility, just nine miles from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, has garnered significant opposition from various officials, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The city of Romulus is actively pursuing legal action to obstruct the Department of Homeland Security’s plans. Additionally, U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) introduced the Warehousing Ban Act, aimed at preventing federal officials from repurposing warehouses into detention centers.
Counter-Protest and Rising Tensions
Amidst the proceedings, Jacob Gingrich, a 22-year-old pro-ICE social media influencer, disrupted the march with a bullhorn. His attempts to engage the demonstrators met with resistance, as marshals intervened to maintain order. Gingrich maintains that while he opposes illegal immigration, he does not identify as a supporter of the MAGA movement.
Continuing the Conversation
Following the initial protest, a second rally unfolded outside the warehouse, featuring speeches from prominent local representatives, including U.S. Representative Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit) and State Representatives Dylan Wegela (D-Garden City) and Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit). Emily Duchesne, a member of Community Aid for Empowerment, expressed her alarm over the rising number of detentions by ICE in the Pontiac area, emphasizing, “It’s very un-American to warehouse people. That’s not our country.”
The Hunger Strike: A Broader Context
The protest was further intensified by a concurrent hunger strike at the Northlake Processing Center in Baldwin, Michigan, where detainees are demanding improved conditions. Activists at the rally reported that hundreds of migrants are participating in the strike, with threats from guards being noted as part of their struggle. Advocates like J.R. Martin reiterated the need for proper medical care and transparency in case investigations, aiming to ensure that facilities like Northlake are permanently closed.
