ROMULUS, Mich. – Federal immigration officials have abandoned plans to convert a warehouse in Romulus into an immigration detention center and instead will sell the property, a decision that follows a lawsuit filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel challenging the project.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement purchased the warehouse at 7525 Cogswell St. in February without public notice and intended to convert the facility into a detention center capable of housing hundreds of detainees.
Nessel and the city of Romulus filed suit on March 24 against ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arguing the site was unsuitable and that federal officials failed to follow required legal and environmental review processes.
In a statement released on Thursday (June 18), Nessel said the federal government’s decision represents a significant reversal.
“Less than three months after we filed suit, DHS and ICE appear to have folded,” Nessel said.
AG Nessel Responds to ICE Abandoning Plans for Detention Center in Romulus Following Lawsuit
Lawsuit cited school proximity, flooding, infrastructure concerns
The lawsuit alleged the warehouse was an inappropriate location for an immigration detention facility because it sits within a mile of both an elementary and a middle school, borders residential neighborhoods, and is located in a floodplain that flooded as recently as last year.
The complaint also argued the building lacked adequate infrastructure to support approximately 500 detainees and staff members, including sufficient restroom facilities and sewer capacity.
In addition to concerns about the site itself, the lawsuit claimed ICE and DHS violated federal law by failing to adequately evaluate alternative detention locations, such as existing prisons, jails, or detention facilities.
The suit further alleged violations of the National Environmental Policy Act and accused the agencies of failing to coordinate with state and local officials before proceeding with the project.
--> Romulus, Michigan, and state sue to block proposed ICE detention facility in warehouse
Injunction sought, construction repeatedly delayed
One week after filing the lawsuit, Nessel sought a preliminary injunction to halt construction while the case moved through the courts.
Although the motion was fully briefed in April, federal officials repeatedly delayed construction plans, first postponing work until late June and later through the end of July.
According to Nessel’s office, ICE has now informed state officials it will not move forward with the detention center and intends to place the property on the market.
Lawsuit remains active pending formal agreement
Despite the announcement, the lawsuit remains active. Nessel said the state will continue to pursue the case until a formal written agreement is reached, ensuring that the warehouse will never be used as an immigration detention facility and confirming plans to sell the property.
The federal agencies have not publicly commented on the decision.
“From day one, DHS has remained singularly focused on removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from the United States and is always evaluating the best methods to do so.
These heinous criminals, once arrested, should be removed at lightning speed, not housed on American soil at the taxpayer’s expense.
DHS is moving swiftly to utilize EXISTING detention space with our state and county partners.”
DHS Spokesperson
“The proposed ICE detention center in Romulus was widely opposed by the local communities.
I commend the efforts of Attorney General Nessel, Romulus Mayor McCraight, and our state and federal lawmakers for putting a stop to this facility and ensuring Michiganders have a say in what happens in their own backyards.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
“Our first responsibility as public servants is to protect Michiganders from any person, organization, or government that tries to bully them.
The people of Romulus made it clear that an ICE detention facility was not welcomed. I am thankful to Attorney General Nessel for her work in stopping this detention center from being built. Let’s keep standing tall for the rights and voices of all Michiganders.”
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II