Detroit, Michigan, January 14, 2026
On January 13, protests erupted in Detroit during President Trump’s speech at the Detroit Economic Club. Demonstrators opposed ICE’s activities following the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. Tensions flared as law enforcement made multiple arrests, highlighting community concerns over immigration enforcement and calls for legislative measures to protect residents. Activists demand an end to ICE cooperation within the city, pushing for Detroit to declare itself a sanctuary city. The event underscores ongoing debates regarding immigration policies and their impact on local communities.
Detroit, Michigan
Protests Erupt in Detroit as President Trump Addresses Economic Forum Amid Calls to End ICE Activities
Detroit, Michigan – On January 13, 2026, President Donald Trump delivered a speech to the Detroit Economic Club at the MotorCity Casino Hotel, highlighting a “Trump economic boom.” This event coincided with widespread protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the city, following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Demonstrators marched downtown, voicing their opposition to ICE’s presence and demanding that Detroit officials cease cooperation with the agency. The protests led to multiple arrests as tensions escalated outside the venue. Local activists and elected officials are calling for legislative action to limit or ban ICE activities within Detroit, aiming to protect residents and uphold community safety.
Protests and Arrests Outside MotorCity Casino Hotel
As President Trump addressed the Detroit Economic Club, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the MotorCity Casino Hotel, expressing their opposition to ICE’s presence in the city. The demonstration intensified when several individuals were taken into custody by Detroit police. The arrests occurred after protesters refused to disperse, leading to confrontations with law enforcement. The situation underscored the deep-seated tensions between the community and federal immigration enforcement agencies.
Calls for Legislative Action to Limit ICE Activities
In response to the protests, local immigration advocates are urging Detroit’s elected officials to limit the city’s cooperation with ICE. They are advocating for legislation that would ban or restrict ICE activities on city property and within Detroit, particularly in sensitive locations such as schools, clinics, hospitals, and places of worship. These efforts aim to protect residents and ensure that local resources are not used to support federal immigration enforcement.
Background on the Protests
The protests in Detroit are part of a broader national movement against ICE, sparked by the recent fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. Demonstrations have occurred in various cities, including Seattle, Atlanta, and Austin, all demanding justice for Good and an end to ICE’s operations. In Detroit, activists and community members are calling for the city to declare itself a sanctuary city, a status that would limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. However, city officials have expressed concerns about the potential implications of such a designation.
President Trump’s Visit Amidst Protests
During his visit to Detroit, President Trump emphasized positive economic indicators, including a statement that inflation remained at a four-year low as of December. He dismissed affordability concerns and touted a “Trump economic boom.” The visit coincided with national protests against ICE, highlighting the complex political climate surrounding immigration enforcement and economic policies.
Conclusion
The events in Detroit on January 13, 2026, reflect the city’s ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and community safety. The protests and subsequent arrests highlight the community’s deep concerns about ICE’s presence and the broader implications of federal immigration policies. As the situation develops, local leaders and activists continue to advocate for legislative measures to protect residents and limit ICE activities within the city.
FAQ
- What prompted the protests in Detroit on January 13, 2026?
- The protests were sparked by the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, leading to widespread demonstrations against ICE’s presence in Detroit.
- What are local activists demanding from Detroit officials?
- Activists are urging Detroit’s elected officials to limit or ban ICE activities within the city, particularly in sensitive locations such as schools, clinics, hospitals, and places of worship.
- How did President Trump’s visit to Detroit coincide with the protests?
- President Trump delivered a speech to the Detroit Economic Club at the MotorCity Casino Hotel, highlighting a “Trump economic boom,” while protests against ICE were taking place outside the venue.
- What is the status of Detroit’s sanctuary city designation?
- Detroit officials have expressed concerns about declaring the city a sanctuary city, citing potential implications. However, activists continue to advocate for such a designation to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
- What actions have been taken by law enforcement during the protests?
- Detroit police have taken multiple protesters into custody outside the MotorCity Casino Hotel after they refused to disperse, leading to confrontations with law enforcement.
Key Features of the Detroit Protests on January 13, 2026
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protest Location | Outside the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, Michigan |
| Protesters’ Demands | End to ICE activities in Detroit, protection of residents, and legislative action to limit ICE’s presence |
| Law Enforcement Response | Multiple protesters taken into custody for refusing to disperse, leading to confrontations with police |
| President Trump’s Visit | Addressed the Detroit Economic Club, emphasizing economic achievements amid ongoing protests |
| Activists’ Legislative Advocacy | Urging Detroit officials to declare the city a sanctuary city and limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities |
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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.
