Michigan lawmakers push to ban state property from being used for ICE detention in wake of deadly custody deaths.
A bill aimed at preventing the sale or repurposing of Michigan state-owned property for federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention has been introduced in the state House. The measure, sponsored by Representative Dylan Wegela, would prohibit the state from conveying property to ICE and require deed restrictions barring any state-sold property from being used as a detention center.
The proposal comes after 32 people, including children, died in ICE custody nationwide last year, sparking widespread outrage and calls for action. "2025 tied for the deadliest year on record when it comes to deaths in ICE detention centers," Wegela said. "32 lives taken without dignity or due process. Some might say there's not much we can do here in Michigan, or at the state level, to fight against this administration. That's wrong. We can fight against ICE right here at home."
The bill would also require private contractors operating detention facilities on formerly state-owned land to forfeit the property back to the state if it is used for immigration detention. This move follows scrutiny of ICE detention in Michigan, including the reopening of the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, a privately owned facility that can hold up to 1,800 detainees.
The center reopened in June after years of operating as a private prison, and its reopening was marked by questions about transparency and medical care following a 56-year-old man's death there. The incident prompted lawmakers and advocates to demand answers and accountability from ICE.
Wegela cited the deaths and violent encounters involving federal immigration agents as the impetus for the bill. He also highlighted the growing trend of aggressive enforcement tactics, including targeted killings against those peacefully resisting ICE in Minneapolis.
The proposal faces an uphill battle due to Republican control of the state House, with Wegela acknowledging that the bill's prospects are uncertain unless Republicans "wake up to the reality of the threat that ICE poses to law and order."
However, Wegela remains committed to the cause, framing the bill as a rallying point for activists and organizers fighting against what he sees as a rising tide of fascism.
A bill aimed at preventing the sale or repurposing of Michigan state-owned property for federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention has been introduced in the state House. The measure, sponsored by Representative Dylan Wegela, would prohibit the state from conveying property to ICE and require deed restrictions barring any state-sold property from being used as a detention center.
The proposal comes after 32 people, including children, died in ICE custody nationwide last year, sparking widespread outrage and calls for action. "2025 tied for the deadliest year on record when it comes to deaths in ICE detention centers," Wegela said. "32 lives taken without dignity or due process. Some might say there's not much we can do here in Michigan, or at the state level, to fight against this administration. That's wrong. We can fight against ICE right here at home."
The bill would also require private contractors operating detention facilities on formerly state-owned land to forfeit the property back to the state if it is used for immigration detention. This move follows scrutiny of ICE detention in Michigan, including the reopening of the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, a privately owned facility that can hold up to 1,800 detainees.
The center reopened in June after years of operating as a private prison, and its reopening was marked by questions about transparency and medical care following a 56-year-old man's death there. The incident prompted lawmakers and advocates to demand answers and accountability from ICE.
Wegela cited the deaths and violent encounters involving federal immigration agents as the impetus for the bill. He also highlighted the growing trend of aggressive enforcement tactics, including targeted killings against those peacefully resisting ICE in Minneapolis.
The proposal faces an uphill battle due to Republican control of the state House, with Wegela acknowledging that the bill's prospects are uncertain unless Republicans "wake up to the reality of the threat that ICE poses to law and order."
However, Wegela remains committed to the cause, framing the bill as a rallying point for activists and organizers fighting against what he sees as a rising tide of fascism.
I'm not sure if Michigan's push to ban state property from being used for ICE detention is a step in the right direction. On one hand, 32 deaths in ICE custody last year is horrific 
and it's about time someone speaks out against these conditions. But on the other hand, isn't this just a partisan move? 
Republicans controlling the state House might not actually support this bill, so it could just be a way for Democrats to claim victory.
It seems like a pretty hollow victory. And what about all the people who are still being detained and mistreated by ICE? Are they really going to be helped by this bill or is it just a PR stunt? 
! Michigan lawmakers are literally taking a stand against ICE detention centers on state property 
. I mean 32 people died in ICE custody last year and it's just not right 
. The bill they're proposing is like, super necessary to prevent the sale or repurposing of state property for ICE's evil plans 
.
. And it's not just about Michigan, it's about setting a precedent for other states to follow 
. We need more people in power like Rep Wegela who are willing to take a stand against injustice 
. Let's hope more activists and organizers join the fight against ICE and their fascist tactics 
. This is like, the best thing that's happened to our country in a long time 
!
like how can you put a price on human life? and now they wanna make it even harder for people to resist or report crimes by private contractors 
meanwhile, all we get are empty promises and token legislation. 
i mean, come on, 32 people died in ICE custody - can you even imagine your family member gone like that? it's time for some real change here.
the fact that there's even a bill introduced is huge news 
lets keep the momentum going and support reps like dylan wegela who are fighting for change 
. It's just not right that people are dying in ICE detention centers, and it's especially awful when they're detained because of something they've done, you know? Like, if someone breaks the law, they should get a fair trial, not be locked up in some super-secure facility with no hope of parole 
. But by passing this bill, we can help make sure that no one else has to go through that 
. We gotta stand up to these laws and make sure our state property isn't gettin' used for this kinda thing. It's not like we can't afford to do it, right? We're talkin' 'bout human lives here 
. I'm worried that Republicans are gonna water down the bill or just straight up reject it 
. But if Wegela is gettin' some traction and people are startin' to wake up to what's goin' on, then maybe we can actually make a difference 
. One thing for sure though - this whole "fascism" vibe? Not exactly the kinda politics I want to see in Michigan 
. Let's keep an eye on this and see where it takes us 
.
... hope this bill passes & sets a precedent 4 other states 2 follow 
. And the fact that private contractors would have to give back the property if it's used for immigration detention is a nice touch 
they gotta think about those ppl locked up in detentions centers 32 lives lost already 
. it's like having a first aid kit in your backpack - just in case! 
.