Duggan's ICE Stance Remains Mysterious, Fueling Public Backlash
In a move that has left many in Detroit and beyond scratching their heads, former mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent gubernatorial candidate, has refused to provide clear answers on how he would handle federal immigration enforcement if elected governor. Despite six detailed questions submitted by the Metro Times about his stance on ICE policy, Duggan's campaign has declined to answer any of them.
Campaign spokeswoman Andrea Bitely responded generically, stating that "Mayor Duggan's position on ICE has been articulated repeatedly." However, her response did not address specific concerns, such as limits on ICE arrests at schools, restrictions on information sharing between state agencies and federal immigration authorities, or the use of state police at ICE raids.
The refusal to provide clear answers comes as public opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is growing nationwide. A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll found that 65% of Americans believe ICE has "gone too far" in enforcing immigration laws, with 60% disapproving of the agency's job performance and nearly half saying it makes Americans less safe.
Duggan's campaign has shifted its rhetoric to appeal to Trump voters, but his unwillingness to propose limits on enforcement raises concerns about how he would use his power if elected. In June 2025, Detroit police assisted ICE during a raid on the city's west side, where armed federal agents stormed a home and officers pepper-sprayed and arrested protesters. Duggan has not condemned these operations, despite having previously declared Detroit a "Certified Welcoming" city.
The lack of clarity on Duggan's stance on immigration enforcement is fueling public backlash against his campaign. Immigration advocates are warning that ICE is getting crueler and more deceptive in Michigan to increase deportations, while many voters are left wondering how Duggan would balance the need to enforce federal laws with the rights of asylum seekers and other vulnerable populations.
As the 2026 governor's race heats up, early polling suggests a tight contest between Republican John James, Democrat Jocelyn Benson, and Duggan. However, Duggan's refusal to provide clear answers on ICE policy has raised questions about his ability to navigate this critical issue if elected.
In a move that has left many in Detroit and beyond scratching their heads, former mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent gubernatorial candidate, has refused to provide clear answers on how he would handle federal immigration enforcement if elected governor. Despite six detailed questions submitted by the Metro Times about his stance on ICE policy, Duggan's campaign has declined to answer any of them.
Campaign spokeswoman Andrea Bitely responded generically, stating that "Mayor Duggan's position on ICE has been articulated repeatedly." However, her response did not address specific concerns, such as limits on ICE arrests at schools, restrictions on information sharing between state agencies and federal immigration authorities, or the use of state police at ICE raids.
The refusal to provide clear answers comes as public opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is growing nationwide. A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll found that 65% of Americans believe ICE has "gone too far" in enforcing immigration laws, with 60% disapproving of the agency's job performance and nearly half saying it makes Americans less safe.
Duggan's campaign has shifted its rhetoric to appeal to Trump voters, but his unwillingness to propose limits on enforcement raises concerns about how he would use his power if elected. In June 2025, Detroit police assisted ICE during a raid on the city's west side, where armed federal agents stormed a home and officers pepper-sprayed and arrested protesters. Duggan has not condemned these operations, despite having previously declared Detroit a "Certified Welcoming" city.
The lack of clarity on Duggan's stance on immigration enforcement is fueling public backlash against his campaign. Immigration advocates are warning that ICE is getting crueler and more deceptive in Michigan to increase deportations, while many voters are left wondering how Duggan would balance the need to enforce federal laws with the rights of asylum seekers and other vulnerable populations.
As the 2026 governor's race heats up, early polling suggests a tight contest between Republican John James, Democrat Jocelyn Benson, and Duggan. However, Duggan's refusal to provide clear answers on ICE policy has raised questions about his ability to navigate this critical issue if elected.
. It's like he's trying to avoid the elephant in the room altogether 
. I get that he's running as an independent and wants to appeal to Trump voters, but not knowing how he'd handle immigration enforcement is a major red flag 
. If he's not willing to propose limits on ICE arrests or restrictions on info sharing, it raises huge concerns about his ability to use his power for good 
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, but Duggan hasn't condemned those ICE raids in June 2025... that was just shady 
. The fact that immigration advocates are warning about ICE getting crueler and more deceptive in Michigan only adds to the drama 
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, or he'll be left struggling to win over voters who care deeply about this issue 
. The 2026 governor's race is gonna be a wild ride 
on immigration reform!
. On one hand, I get why he'd want to distance himself from the controversy surrounding ICE. But on the other hand, it feels like he's not taking a clear stance on an issue that affects so many people in Michigan 
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. Duggan might be trying to appeal to a broad audience, but by not providing any concrete answers, he's just gonna end up alienating people who care about these issues 
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. I mean, 65% of Americans think ICE has gone too far? That's a pretty clear message that we need some kind of reform. But Duggan's not even providing clarity on how he'd handle it if elected 
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. It feels like he's trying to have it both ways and that just doesn't sit right with me 
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. Duggan needs to get on board with some real answers, pronto! 
. It's like he's not really sure what he stands for when it comes to immigration reform.
. He's just dodging the questions left and right and it's making a lot of people in Detroit really nervous. I mean, what does he even think about ICE? It's like he's playing politics with people's lives. The fact that he's trying to appeal to Trump voters but can't even be clear on his stance is just cringeworthy 
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. On one hand, it's understandable that he doesn't want to alienate Trump voters, but on the other hand, not having a clear answer is super concerning. As someone who cares deeply about our community, I wish we knew where he stands 