Michigan Police Defy Donald Trump's Mass Deportation Plan

Michigan law enforcement agencies are pushing back against President Donald Trump's mass deportation plans, citing a lack of resources to carry out large-scale immigration enforcement.

Why It Matters

President Donald Trump was elected after a campaign heavily focused on immigration and the promise of deporting millions of people who have no legal status in the U.S.

A New York Times/Ipsos survey (January 2-10) found that 55 percent of voters back Trump's mass deportation plan, while 88 percent support deporting immigrants with criminal records who have no legal permission to live in the U.S. Most Democrats and Republicans agree that the immigration system is broken.

What To Know

Multiple police departments told the Detroit Free Press that they lack the time, funding, or interest to enact Trump's mass deportation policies.

State agencies and education institutions could risk losing federal funding if they do not cooperate with the Trump administration, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) has directed prosecutors to investigate state officials who impede President Trump's crackdown on immigration.

The Michigan House of Representatives adopted a resolution that requires local governments and universities to ensure their policies, "do not include language that requires, encourages or supports subverting immigration enforcement in any way or refusing to comply with federal immigration enforcement measures."

Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom has been one of Michigan's most vocal opponents of assisting ICE, refusing to support the Trump administration's immigration efforts. When asked by the Detroit Free Press about a potential federal investigation, he appeared unconcerned.

"I am confident GRPD's policy of declining to participate in immigration enforcement with the federal government is on sound legal footing. As our policy makes clear, they have their responsibilities and we have ours," he said.

Lansing Police Department said the department "puts the responsibility on the federal government to act as an immigration enforcement agency."

In January, reports emerged about ICE agents reaching out to a business in Ann Arbor. The Ann Arbor police confirmed the federal operation, stating that ICE had not informed them beforehand.

Meanwhile, Sanilac County Sheriff Paul D. Rich and Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson told the Free Press they would assist ICE if requested. However, they also recognize and understand their neighbors and communities.

What People Are Saying

Sanilac County Sheriff Paul D. Rich said: "We just don't have issues with (immigrant workers). And the local police don't have issues with them."

Police Chief Andre C. Anderson said in a statement: "The Ann Arbor Police Department can confirm that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made contact with one business in downtown Ann Arbor over the weekend. We have no information to suggest that this was a raid. In fact, no arrests were made. ICE did not notify the AAPD before this activity, and they are not required to do so. The AAPD did not provide assistance.

"We understand there is a lot of fear and anxiety in our community regarding immigration-related enforcement. The AAPD remains committed to fair and equitable policing for everyone in this community, regardless of immigration status."

What Happens Next

It remains to be seen if the Trump administration will start sanctioning state officials who do not assist with federal immigration operations.