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New ICE Detention Center Sparks Legal Battle in Michigan

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. tion-center-sparks-legal-battle-in-michigan.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 19:31 GMT by Detroit News
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

New ICE Detention Center Planned for Romulus, Michigan: A Deep Dive into Concerns and Legal Battles

ROMULUS, MI - February 28th, 2026 - A federal notice published Friday has confirmed plans for a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Romulus, Michigan, igniting a firestorm of protest from immigrant advocacy groups and prompting a legal challenge from Michigan's Attorney General, Dana Nessel. The proposed 448-bed facility, slated to be operated by the private corrections company CoreCivic, represents a significant shift in ICE's detention strategy within the state, moving away from the existing contract with the Wayne County Correctional Facility and towards a fully privately-run operation.

The announcement comes amidst a broader national debate about the use of private immigration detention centers, their impact on human rights, and the ethical considerations surrounding profiting from incarceration. For years, organizations like the ACLU, Human Rights Watch, and numerous local immigrant rights groups have documented allegations of inadequate medical care, substandard living conditions, and due process violations within such facilities. Critics argue that the profit motive inherent in private detention incentivizes cost-cutting measures that directly compromise the well-being of detainees.

The new Romulus center is estimated to cost $118 million to construct. This substantial investment raises questions about the long-term fiscal implications for taxpayers and whether those funds could be better allocated to community-based alternatives to detention - programs often cited as being more humane and cost-effective. Advocates point to successful models in other states that emphasize case management, legal assistance, and community support networks to ensure compliance with immigration proceedings without resorting to incarceration.

Attorney General Nessel has vowed to vigorously challenge the federal government's decision, citing serious concerns about human rights and due process. "I'm disappointed to see this development," Nessel stated. "The federal government's decision to contract with a private company to house ICE detainees ignores the important role that government accountability plays in upholding constitutional rights. I plan to challenge these actions." Nessel's legal argument is expected to focus on potential violations of state law regarding the oversight of private correctional facilities and ensuring adequate standards of care for detainees. She's likely to argue that the lack of direct governmental control over the facility will hinder effective monitoring and investigation of potential abuses.

CoreCivic, a major player in the private corrections industry, currently operates numerous ICE detention facilities across the country. The company has faced its own share of scrutiny, with investigations revealing issues ranging from inadequate staffing levels to allegations of medical neglect. [See CoreCivic's response to prior allegations: https://www.corecivic.com/about-us/accountability](https://www.corecivic.com/about-us/accountability - link verified as of 2026-02-28). While CoreCivic maintains it adheres to stringent standards and provides quality care, critics remain skeptical, arguing that these claims are often unsubstantiated and lack independent verification.

Local activist groups have already mobilized, planning protests and organizing community forums to raise awareness about the potential impacts of the new detention center. These groups fear the facility will exacerbate the trauma experienced by immigrants and asylum seekers, separating families and contributing to a climate of fear within the community. They also express concerns about the potential for increased racial profiling and discriminatory practices by ICE officials.

Beyond the legal and ethical concerns, the construction of the Romulus facility also highlights the ongoing debate about immigration policy itself. Opponents of the center argue it represents a continuation of a punitive approach to immigration that prioritizes enforcement and detention over due process and humanitarian considerations. They advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the root causes of migration and provides pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

The situation in Romulus is emblematic of a nationwide trend, with ICE increasingly relying on private contractors to manage the growing number of immigration detainees. The implications of this trend are far-reaching, raising questions about the future of immigration detention in the United States and the government's responsibility to ensure the humane treatment of all individuals within its custody. The coming months will be crucial as Nessel pursues her legal challenge and activists continue to organize opposition, shaping the future of immigration enforcement in Michigan and potentially setting a precedent for other states.