Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Ban on State Property for ICE Detention Centers Amidst Nation's Deadliest Year in Custody
A Michigan lawmaker is pushing for a measure that would prohibit the state from selling or repurposing its property to federal detention facilities, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), after 32 people died nationwide in ICE custody last year. The legislation, known as House Bill 5494, aims to prevent ICE from expanding its detention operations in the state.
State Representative Dylan Wegela introduced the bill, citing the deadly year in ICE custody and the need for action at the state level. "32 lives were lost in ICE custody," Wegela said. "We can fight against ICE right here at home." The proposal comes amid growing scrutiny of ICE detention facilities in Michigan, including the reopening of the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin.
The bill would 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. Wegela's office stated that the measure follows years of criticism regarding transparency and medical care at ICE detention centers, including a recent death at the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin.
Wegela attributed the deaths to aggressive enforcement tactics by ICE agents, which he described as "targeted killings" against those peacefully resisting ICE operations. He cited the recent case of Geraldo Lunas Campos, whose death was initially ruled as a suicide but later determined to be a homicide due to compression on his neck and torso.
Advocates in Michigan have reported increasingly aggressive enforcement tactics by ICE, including arrests during routine traffic stops and marriage-based green card interviews. The number of ICE arrests in Michigan has nearly tripled compared to the previous year, with most people detained having no criminal convictions.
Wegela acknowledged that the bill faces an uphill battle due to Republican control of the state House but stated his intention to use the measure as a rallying point for activists and organizers fighting against what he described as "fascism."
A Michigan lawmaker is pushing for a measure that would prohibit the state from selling or repurposing its property to federal detention facilities, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), after 32 people died nationwide in ICE custody last year. The legislation, known as House Bill 5494, aims to prevent ICE from expanding its detention operations in the state.
State Representative Dylan Wegela introduced the bill, citing the deadly year in ICE custody and the need for action at the state level. "32 lives were lost in ICE custody," Wegela said. "We can fight against ICE right here at home." The proposal comes amid growing scrutiny of ICE detention facilities in Michigan, including the reopening of the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin.
The bill would 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. Wegela's office stated that the measure follows years of criticism regarding transparency and medical care at ICE detention centers, including a recent death at the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin.
Wegela attributed the deaths to aggressive enforcement tactics by ICE agents, which he described as "targeted killings" against those peacefully resisting ICE operations. He cited the recent case of Geraldo Lunas Campos, whose death was initially ruled as a suicide but later determined to be a homicide due to compression on his neck and torso.
Advocates in Michigan have reported increasingly aggressive enforcement tactics by ICE, including arrests during routine traffic stops and marriage-based green card interviews. The number of ICE arrests in Michigan has nearly tripled compared to the previous year, with most people detained having no criminal convictions.
Wegela acknowledged that the bill faces an uphill battle due to Republican control of the state House but stated his intention to use the measure as a rallying point for activists and organizers fighting against what he described as "fascism."
Can't believe how many people are losing their lives in ICE detention centers 
. We gotta do something about it. I think states like Michigan are taking a huge step by trying to prevent ICE from expanding its operations there. It's crazy how one law can make such a difference. The fact that 32 lives were lost last year is just devastating 
. States have the power to pass laws that can protect people and promote more humane treatment, especially in places like detention centers where people are already vulnerable.
. I don't know about politics, but it seems like a way for them to show they care about the community and want to make things better 
. The thing is, change takes time and effort, so we gotta keep pushing forward 
.
so michigan is trying to take back its property from ice, like finally doing something about all those deaths in detention centers... 32 people can't just be ignored 
. maybe michigan will be the start of a bigger movement against ice, who knows? 
. 32 people died last year, that's just not right. I mean, what kind of system is this where you can just be arrested during a traffic stop or something for being in the country without papers? It's like they're more interested in collecting numbers than actually helping ppl. We need to stand up and say no to these detention centers, we need to create safe spaces for everyone 
. I'm not gonna lie, it's scary to think about how far we've fallen as a society when people have to fight just to be treated humanely. We need to make some serious changes in this country ASAP 
. If we can prevent those detention centers from popping up in Michigan, it'll be a huge win for people who just wanna live their lives without all the drama 
. And let's be real, 32 deaths in ICE custody is crazy 
. It's not about being partisan or anything, it's just basic human decency 
!
. Like, how can we even allow this to happen? 
They're just using ppl who don't even do anything wrong 
, and it's like, so not fair 
.
. It's time for us to stand up against ICE and their unfair practices 
. Like, our state reps are making a huge step in the right direction 
. I'm with Rep Wegela all the way 
.
, especially when it comes to immigration issues 
. It's time to break the ice (lol get it?) and create real change 
.
32 lives lost is crazy. I don't get why states have to step in like this, can't the feds just fix their own mess? But at least Michigan is taking a stand and trying to keep those facilities out of state property. 
I gotta respect Rep Wegela's efforts, but it's gonna be tough, especially with Republicans controlling the state House. Like, what if this bill gets watered down or blocked entirely? 
It feels like we're just seeing more and more examples of ICE's abuse of power, and it's getting worse. 
.
. Maybe then we can have a more productive conversation about how to address these issues without putting everything at a standstill 
.