ICE Agents in Michigan Using Covert, Cruel Tactics to Detain Immigrants
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Michigan have been employing increasingly aggressive and deceptive tactics to detain immigrants, leaving many families blindsided and fearing for their safety. According to immigration attorneys, these tactics include making arrests during routine traffic stops, marriage-based green card interviews, and even at home without a warrant.
Herman Dhade, president of the Detroit Immigration Law Firm, describes cases where ICE agents have detained spouses in front of their wives, with the couple having no prior interactions with law enforcement. "It's like they're setting up a trap," he says. "They make these arrests covertly to avoid drawing media attention."
Another pattern Dhade has observed involves routine traffic stops, where drivers are pulled over for minor issues and ICE agents are contacted. "People are being pulled over during routine traffic stops and then quietly arrested," he notes.
In many cases, ICE agents use back entrances in immigration buildings and move quickly to prevent witnesses from seeing what happens. They also often don't wear visible ICE badges or identification, making it even harder for the public to track their activities.
Despite efforts by lawmakers and activists to inform immigrants about the risks, Dhade believes that secrecy is a key component of these tactics. "Just because they're not visible doesn't mean they're being clever about it," he says.
According to data from the Deportation Data Project, ICE has arrested over 2,300 immigrants in Michigan since 2025, nearly triple the number of arrests made in all of 2024.
One of the most alarming trends is the use of force to enter homes without a warrant. An internal ICE memo recently obtained by the Associated Press reveals that immigration officers may now rely on administrative warrants to enter homes, which immigration activists and lawyers argue is unconstitutional.
Dhade emphasizes that the Fourth Amendment requires an independent federal judge to authorize entry into a home, not just any administrative paperwork. "Immigrants aren't going to know this subtlety," he says. "ICE is taking advantage of it."
He describes clients who have been arrested for minor infractions or simply because they're undocumented immigrants, even those with work permits and U.S.-citizen spouses.
"These people are as clean as a whistle," Dhade says. "They don't deserve to be locked up. This is wasting taxpayer money too – why lock people up who are going through legal channels?"
The Detroit Immigration Law Firm has seen cases where clients were released on their own recognizance, only to find themselves under intense ICE supervision. Dhade warns that families often face separation and that the consequences can be devastating.
"I'd rather see them get a little bit of trouble than have these kids grow up without a father," he says.
As lawmakers and activists warn about these tactics, Dhade advises Michigan families to treat enforcement risk like any other emergency – plan ahead, keep key documents accessible, and make sure loved ones know who to call.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Michigan have been employing increasingly aggressive and deceptive tactics to detain immigrants, leaving many families blindsided and fearing for their safety. According to immigration attorneys, these tactics include making arrests during routine traffic stops, marriage-based green card interviews, and even at home without a warrant.
Herman Dhade, president of the Detroit Immigration Law Firm, describes cases where ICE agents have detained spouses in front of their wives, with the couple having no prior interactions with law enforcement. "It's like they're setting up a trap," he says. "They make these arrests covertly to avoid drawing media attention."
Another pattern Dhade has observed involves routine traffic stops, where drivers are pulled over for minor issues and ICE agents are contacted. "People are being pulled over during routine traffic stops and then quietly arrested," he notes.
In many cases, ICE agents use back entrances in immigration buildings and move quickly to prevent witnesses from seeing what happens. They also often don't wear visible ICE badges or identification, making it even harder for the public to track their activities.
Despite efforts by lawmakers and activists to inform immigrants about the risks, Dhade believes that secrecy is a key component of these tactics. "Just because they're not visible doesn't mean they're being clever about it," he says.
According to data from the Deportation Data Project, ICE has arrested over 2,300 immigrants in Michigan since 2025, nearly triple the number of arrests made in all of 2024.
One of the most alarming trends is the use of force to enter homes without a warrant. An internal ICE memo recently obtained by the Associated Press reveals that immigration officers may now rely on administrative warrants to enter homes, which immigration activists and lawyers argue is unconstitutional.
Dhade emphasizes that the Fourth Amendment requires an independent federal judge to authorize entry into a home, not just any administrative paperwork. "Immigrants aren't going to know this subtlety," he says. "ICE is taking advantage of it."
He describes clients who have been arrested for minor infractions or simply because they're undocumented immigrants, even those with work permits and U.S.-citizen spouses.
"These people are as clean as a whistle," Dhade says. "They don't deserve to be locked up. This is wasting taxpayer money too – why lock people up who are going through legal channels?"
The Detroit Immigration Law Firm has seen cases where clients were released on their own recognizance, only to find themselves under intense ICE supervision. Dhade warns that families often face separation and that the consequences can be devastating.
"I'd rather see them get a little bit of trouble than have these kids grow up without a father," he says.
As lawmakers and activists warn about these tactics, Dhade advises Michigan families to treat enforcement risk like any other emergency – plan ahead, keep key documents accessible, and make sure loved ones know who to call.
These new tactics used by ICE agents in Michigan are super concerning, especially with those innocent detentions during routine traffic stops or marriage-based interviews 
. If they're going to arrest someone, at least give them some warning right? 
It's like a big ol' trap set up for people who just want to live their lives without any drama 
. Any real law enforcement agency would be transparent about their actions, not hiding behind administrative paperwork 
. We need more transparency and accountability from our immigration agencies, especially when it comes to protecting families 
.
. Those people shouldn't be locked up for not following every single rule 
. And what about the stress on families who get separated? That's just not right 
.
. It's time to stop this coercive and invasive behavior by ICE agents in Michigan! 
. It's like they're setting a trap for people 
. And using force to break into homes without warrants? That's just not right 
. The Detroit Immigration Law Firm saw cases where people were arrested for minor stuff or because they don't have papers 
. It's wasting taxpayer money and causing families to get separated 
This is getting out of hand 
. They're using routine traffic stops and marriage interviews as excuses to bust unsuspecting spouses 
and even just walk into people's homes without warrants 
. It's so unfair, especially when you think about families getting torn apart because of this 
. And the fact that they're being so sneaky with their badges too... it's like a game of cat and mouse 
. We need to start holding them accountable for this kind of behavior 
just because they're immigrants doesn't mean they deserve to be mistreated 
it's so scary for people who already feel vulnerable in the first place 
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. I mean, who wants to get arrested during a routine traffic stop or at their own home without warning? 
And the fact that they're not wearing visible badges makes it even harder to know what's going on.
. It's like, come on, Fourth Amendment and all that 
. That's not fair at all 
. I wish there was more transparency and accountability from ICE so that people could know what's going on and plan accordingly 
.
... making people get pulled over for no reason and then arrested quietly 
... this is so not right 
... families are getting separated and it's devastating 
... we need to know what's going on here 
It's appalling that families are being torn apart due to paperwork errors or minor infractions. The use of administrative warrants to enter homes without a warrant is a clear infringement on the Fourth Amendment rights of immigrants. 
. That's just convenience for them. It's like we should be grateful that they're not just making stuff up as they go along 
. But can't we have an immigration system that works more like a regular law enforcement agency? One that treats people with dignity and respect, rather than using underhanded tactics to get what they want 
.
. And the part about not wearing badges or ID is just crazy talk 
. I know we gotta be careful with our info, but this is just plain intimidating.
. Just wanted to chime in late and say that this issue needs way more attention 
. And it's not like these people are doing anything wrong - some of them have work permits, U.S.-citizen spouses... they're basically trying to do the right thing.
. The fact that ICE agents are using administrative warrants to justify this behavior is just a thinly veiled attempt to avoid accountability 
.
I'm low-key surprised ICE is doing this...I mean, come on, they're literally making arrests during routine stuff like traffic stops and marriage interviews? That's just excessive. They should be focusing on the real threats, not just random people driving around or waiting for a green card. And hiding their badge ID is just lazy - can't they just wear a name tag like everyone else?
. Why even bother with warrants if you're just gonna break in uninvited? This is insane, what's next, random police shows up at your doorstep asking questions 
#JusticeForImmigrants!