Rep. Rashida Tlaib has released a statement slamming the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) move to expand in Southeast Michigan.
The congresswoman, D-Detroit, released the following statement on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026:
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“ICE has no place in Michigan. This is an unaccountable and violent agency that terrorizes and brutalizes our communities every day. We have all watched as ICE agents execute American citizens in broad daylight and detain and deport our immigrant neighbors with no regard for their wellbeing, right to due process, or the myriad other laws and court orders restricting their illegal operations. ICE is now attempting to expand its unwanted presence in Southeast Michigan, with a new office building lease with REDICO in Southfield to intensify their operations against our communities and a new warehouse jail in Romulus to cage hundreds of our neighbors in unsafe conditions. Across the country, people are coming together and fighting to prevent this massive expansion of ICE’s network of abuse and cruelty. We must organize and use every tool at our disposal to keep ICE out of our neighborhoods. I will continue working hand in hand with advocates to protect our communities from ICE.”
Rep. Rashida Tlaib
This comes amid reports of ICE expanding its presence in Southfield and Romulus.
On Feb. 11, 2026, the City of Southfield said it has confirmed that the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has finalized a lease for office space at Oakland Towne Square, which is located near the Lodge Freeway and I-696. The space will be used to house administrative and legal operations connected to ICE.
Here’s the city’s full statement:
“The City of Southfield is aware that the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has executed a lease for office space at Oakland Towne Square to support administrative and legal functions associated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Oakland Towne Square is a privately owned commercial property that is properly zoned for general office use. Under Michigan law and local ordinance, the City does not have authority to approve or deny private tenancy decisions when the proposed use complies with existing zoning and regulatory requirements.
Based on information provided to the City, the leased space is intended for administrative and legal operations. The City has been advised that ICE enforcement officers will not be operating out of this location.
The City recognizes that residents may have questions regarding this development. The City of Southfield remains committed to transparency, factual communication, and ensuring the community understands the scope of municipal authority in matters involving private commercial property.
As additional verified information becomes available, updates will be shared with the public."
City of Southfield
In addition to this, there have also been reports about a possible 500-bed ICE detention center being put in Romulus.
The city’s mayor, Robert A. McCraight, said his administration is opposed to this and hasn’t found anything that “would substantiate the current rumors” after investigating.
Here’s the full statement McCraight released on Feb. 4, 2026:
“There have been unsubstantiated reports circulating on social media indicating that certain sites located within the City of Romulus either have been or may be selected for use as a possible ICE detention center. My administration takes this issue very seriously and is opposed to any such operation being located within the City of Romulus. We are currently examining all legal options available to protect Romulus as well our residents. We have investigated the sites that have been reported as “possible” detention centers and have found nothing that would substantiate the current rumors. We are also in direct contact with our representatives at the Federal and State level who have been extremely cooperative and helpful in addressing this issue. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise accordingly should we discover any additional intent to house such an operation within our community."
Romulus Mayor Robert A. McCraight