September 11, 2025

Mayor Mike Duggan Addresses Immigration Enforcement in Detroit

News Summary

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan reassures residents that the city is not a focus for federal immigration enforcement despite national concern. Duggan’s remarks come as tensions rise over community safety linked to potential immigration raids. While asserting the city actively does not enforce immigration laws, he states compliance with ICE detainer requests remains if individuals are arrested for crimes. Local advocacy groups urge stronger protections from federal actions, drawing attention to a divide among political leaders on the best ways to tackle crime and safety.

Detroit, MI – Mayor Mike Duggan Addresses Immigration Enforcement Concerns

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has clarified that the city of Detroit is not currently a focus for federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. This statement comes amidst rising concerns among residents about community safety and the potential for immigration raids similar to those occurring in Chicago, which has been more prominently in the spotlight due to its sanctuary city status.

The recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding “Operation Midway Blitz,” which aims to target undocumented immigrants in Chicago and areas of Illinois, reflects a shift in federal focus toward cities that directly engage in sanctuary practices. In contrast, Duggan emphasized that due to Detroit’s lack of controversy surrounding immigration policies, the city has not attracted similar attention or federal action.

While Detroit officials, including Duggan, have assured residents that they do not actively enforce immigration laws, they have also noted that if an individual is arrested for a crime and identified as an undocumented immigrant through fingerprinting, they will comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests. This practice has been consistent across multiple administrations, including the current one, highlighting the ongoing debate regarding the role of local law enforcement in immigration matters.

A significant point of discussion arose when members of the Detroit Community Action Committee petitioned the City Council to draft an ordinance aimed at protecting residents from federal immigration enforcement. This move signals a push among community advocates for clearer protections analogous to those found in sanctuary cities.

Local leaders, including Council Member Mary Waters, have criticized the Trump administration’s approach, arguing that it disproportionately targets urban areas with Black leadership. Waters specifically cited concerns regarding the “posse comitatus” law, which restricts military involvement in civilian law enforcement, calling for a reliance on cooperation rather than intervention by federal authorities.

Furthermore, former Detroit Police Chief James Craig raised alarms about the need for federal assistance in high-crime neighborhoods, implying that local officials may not be adequately meeting community demands for safety. His remarks underscore a growing tension between the need for enhanced security and the approach of local governance in addressing these issues.

In light of current national trends, President Trump has been criticized for deploying the National Guard to Washington, D.C., citing a “crime emergency,” and for the enforcement actions targeted against Chicago. Meanwhile, discussions surrounding the potential deployment of federal forces to other cities like Detroit have sparked concern among residents about potential civil rights violations and wrongful arrests, especially in light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling permitting detentions potentially based on racial or ethnic profiling.

The impact of such policies has drawn ire from various community leaders and lawmakers. U.S. Representative Haley Stevens strongly opposes the idea of deploying the National Guard to Detroit, recalling historical instances of community unrest tied to military intervention. Stevens, however, has previously supported the use of the National Guard for assistance in Chicago in 2016, illustrating the complexities surrounding public safety and law enforcement strategies.

Amid these discussions, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers has called for collaboration between local leaders and the Trump administration to combat violent crime in Detroit. However, Duggan’s spokesperson dismissed Rogers’ assertions, labeling him as an “uninformed, grandstanding politician.” This has further highlighted the divisions among political figures regarding the best approaches to tackle crime and community safety.

In summary, as Detroit navigates its stance on immigration enforcement amidst national scrutiny, local leaders are grappling with how to effectively address community safety concerns while balancing civil rights and collaboration with federal authorities. Residents continue to seek clarity and protection as the situation evolves, with advocacy efforts gaining momentum for local measures that prioritize community needs over federal intervention.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER

DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.

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