Full Breakdown
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Launches ICE Activity Tracker Amid Rising Deportation Concerns
2/5/2026, 2:48:37 AM
Overview of the Initiative
On February 4, 2026, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel introduced a new initiative called the “Federal Agents Tracker,” aimed at encouraging residents to document activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. Nessel emphasized that certain federal immigration operations pose risks to public safety in Michigan, stating, “In Michigan, we do not and we will not tolerate illegal actions against our state residents.” This initiative was unveiled during a roundtable discussion in Detroit, where various stakeholders, including elected officials, law enforcement leaders, and immigrant advocates, expressed concerns about the heightened deportation efforts under President Donald Trump.
Concerns Raised by Community Leaders
During the roundtable, Maria Klosowski, a volunteer with an interfaith group that visits immigration detainees, highlighted the adverse effects of increased detention numbers. She noted that many detainees are long-term Michigan residents who feel powerless due to their immigration status. Klosowski reported that access to detainees has become more restricted and that conditions within detention facilities have deteriorated. “These are people who have been here 30, 35 years,” she remarked, emphasizing their roles as business owners and parents of U.S. citizens.
Law Enforcement's Stance
Several law enforcement officials present at the discussion reiterated their commitment to not enforcing federal immigration laws. Chris Swanson, the Genesee County sheriff and a Democratic candidate for Michigan Governor, clarified that immigration detainers are not judicial orders and that his office does not hold individuals solely based on ICE requests. “If ICE doesn’t pick them up, they’re released,” he stated. Similarly, Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer affirmed that her department does not inquire about immigration status during traffic stops, reinforcing the message that their primary role is to protect the community.
Impact on Community Trust
The roundtable highlighted the pervasive fear among residents, particularly in areas like southwest Detroit, where deportation efforts have led to anxiety about leaving homes. Detroit City Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero noted the emotional toll of these federal actions, linking them to a broader atmosphere of fear within immigrant communities. Law enforcement leaders stressed the importance of restoring trust, with Swanson stating, “The profession that caused this is the profession that can fix it.”
Criticism of Federal Actions
The discussion also included condemnation from Michigan religious leaders regarding ICE's actions, particularly in light of recent deaths of detainees in Minnesota. Klosowski emphasized the human aspect of the policy debate, stating, “They embrace us. They tell us their stories. They pray. They sing. Sometimes just being listened to is the only hope they have.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “In Michigan, we do not and we will not tolerate illegal actions against our state residents,” — Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General
- “If there’s a state charge, we deal with that. If ICE doesn’t pick them up, they’re released.” — Chris Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff
- “We are not immigration enforcement.” — Alyshia Dyer, Washtenaw County Sheriff
This initiative reflects ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and its implications for community safety and trust in law enforcement.
