Nessel challenges ICE plan as Whitmer stays quiet
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, left, and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Photos: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images; Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is scrutinizing plans for a proposed ICE facility in Romulus, while Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office has remained publicly silent on the issue.
Why it matters: The differing levels of state engagement highlight uncertainty about how — or whether — Whitmer will respond as federal plans advance.
- The Romulus mayor is awaiting clarity on the governor's stance, too.
Driving the news: After Axios first reported a federal floodplain notice tied to the Romulus facility, Nessel (D) wrote a letter demanding ICE halt its plans and comply with state and local laws.
- She then filed a Freedom of Information Act request last week seeking records related to the warehouse purchase at 7525 Cogswell St. and the intended use of the property.
State of play: The Romulus warehouse sits on federally identified floodplains that could trigger state or local permitting requirements.
- ICE has confirmed its purchase of the warehouse, but state, county and city officials tell Axios Detroit that neither ICE nor the Department of Homeland Security have coordinated with them on plans to build a detention facility there.
The latest: Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight tells Axios that the city recently met with Nessel's office to discuss potential state involvement. The city is also trying to obtain "a notification of any kind or formal communication from the federal government" about the proposed facility, he says.
Yes, but: Whitmer's office has not responded to the city's outreach so far.
- "I would like to hear an official communication from the governor's office where they stand on this issue," McCraight says. "We're really trying to focus on the right of a city for self-governance."
The other side: Whitmer's press office has not responded to multiple inquiries from Axios Detroit since January regarding immigration enforcement activity or the Romulus facility.
Between the lines: Whitmer has maintained a working relationship with President Trump on various federal funding issues affecting Michigan.
- On Tuesday, she met with Trump again at the White House and secured additional federal funding to support recovery from the 2025 ice storm in northern Michigan, Michigan Advance reports.
The intrigue: Wayne County Drain Commissioner Elmeka Steele confirmed to Axios through a spokesperson that part of the property lies within a county drain easement.
- Construction within the easement would require county review and permits before work begins, including construction and soil erosion and sedimentation control approvals.