Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Ban on State Property Used for ICE Detention Centers
A Michigan lawmaker has introduced a bill to prevent state-owned property from being sold or repurposed for federal detention facilities, following the tragic deaths of 32 people in ICE custody nationwide in 2025. The measure, known as House Bill 5494, aims to restrict the use of state-sold properties as detention centers and requires deed restrictions to be placed on any such sales.
State Rep. Dylan Wegela, a Democrat from Garden City, is behind the proposal. He cites the recent deaths in ICE custody as the motivation for his bill, saying that "32 people died in ICE custody. 32 lives taken without dignity or due process." Wegela believes that Michigan can fight against the administration's policies at the state level.
The bill also includes a provision requiring 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, according to Wegela's office. This measure aims to prevent the expansion of ICE detention operations in Michigan.
In recent months, Michigan has seen increased scrutiny of ICE detention centers, 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 a recent death at the facility prompted questions about transparency and medical care.
Immigration attorneys and advocates in Michigan say enforcement tactics have become increasingly aggressive and covert, with arrests occurring during routine traffic stops and marriage-based green card interviews. ICE arrests in Michigan have nearly tripled compared to the previous year, with most people detained having no criminal convictions.
Wegela acknowledges that his bill faces an uphill battle, as Republicans control the state House. However, he sees the measure as a rallying point for activists and organizers fighting against what they perceive as the threat posed by ICE's enforcement policies. Wegela believes that the measure will not pass unless lawmakers wake up to the reality of the issue and take action.
A Michigan lawmaker has introduced a bill to prevent state-owned property from being sold or repurposed for federal detention facilities, following the tragic deaths of 32 people in ICE custody nationwide in 2025. The measure, known as House Bill 5494, aims to restrict the use of state-sold properties as detention centers and requires deed restrictions to be placed on any such sales.
State Rep. Dylan Wegela, a Democrat from Garden City, is behind the proposal. He cites the recent deaths in ICE custody as the motivation for his bill, saying that "32 people died in ICE custody. 32 lives taken without dignity or due process." Wegela believes that Michigan can fight against the administration's policies at the state level.
The bill also includes a provision requiring 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, according to Wegela's office. This measure aims to prevent the expansion of ICE detention operations in Michigan.
In recent months, Michigan has seen increased scrutiny of ICE detention centers, 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 a recent death at the facility prompted questions about transparency and medical care.
Immigration attorneys and advocates in Michigan say enforcement tactics have become increasingly aggressive and covert, with arrests occurring during routine traffic stops and marriage-based green card interviews. ICE arrests in Michigan have nearly tripled compared to the previous year, with most people detained having no criminal convictions.
Wegela acknowledges that his bill faces an uphill battle, as Republicans control the state House. However, he sees the measure as a rallying point for activists and organizers fighting against what they perceive as the threat posed by ICE's enforcement policies. Wegela believes that the measure will not pass unless lawmakers wake up to the reality of the issue and take action.
32 lives lost in ICE custody is just heartbreaking. I'm all for Dylan Wegela's proposal, it's a step in the right direction to prevent state property from being used for detention centers. but at the same time, I get why Republicans might be hesitant to pass this bill - it's a complex issue 
. maybe they could find common ground by exploring alternatives that still keep people safe while also addressing the root causes of immigration issues? like, what if we invested more in community programs and education initiatives instead of building more detention centers? 
, especially when we know there are ways to prevent these deaths. I'm all for Dylan Wegela pushing for change in Michigan - it's about time we start standing up against the admin's policies 
. The idea of requiring private contractors to forfeit their land if used for detention is genius 
, and it shows that we're not afraid to hold people accountable. It's gonna be tough getting this bill passed with Republicans in control 
, but I'm rooting for Wegela and all the activists out there fighting for justice 
I gotta say, 32 lives lost in ICE custody is just... mind-blowing 
. It's like, what even is the point of having a system that can take away human life without due process? Michigan's Rep Wegela is trying to do something about it by proposing this bill, but it's hard not to be skeptical considering how divided our country is 
.
just saw this Michigan lawmaker proposing a ban on state property used for ICE detention centers... 32 people died in ICE custody already, how many more lives gotta be lost before ppl wake up? 
at least Michigan is trying to stand up for what's right 
like why do we gotta foot the bill for their mistakes & it aint right that ppl r gettin arrested during routine stops or marriage interviews thats straight up wrong 
this is soooo needed!!! I'm literally shaking with anger because of all those lives lost in ICE custody 
I'm all for Michigan taking a stand against the admin's policies and making sure our state property isn't being used to perpetuate this kind of cruelty 
... it's crazy how much power politicians have over people's lives... if u can prevent state property from being used for detention centers, that's a start 
. We gotta keep pushing for more transparency and accountability in our government 
. And btw, 32 people died in ICE custody? That's just heartbreaking 
.
, even if it might face an uphill battle. We need more voices like his advocating for change and protecting the rights of people who are already marginalized 
), I think this is a huge step forward 
. But we need to keep pushing for more reform and transparency in our immigration policies 
.
. fingers crossed it passes and makes a difference 
i mean, seriously tho, 32 people lost their lives in ICE custody and yet nothing gets done? its like the politicians are sleepwalking into a nightmare!