Recent investigations have shed light on the involvement of Michigan’s local police in immigration enforcement, revealing a pattern of referrals to federal agencies. These actions, documented across multiple units including Michigan State Police and various local departments, have sparked debate and concern among community members.
Explore our database to discover which law enforcement bodies have been participating in these referrals.
Delve into further insights from our detailed inquiry.
Recorded Immigration Referrals in Michigan
Data from 2021-26 shows at least 388 instances where Michigan law enforcement engaged with federal immigration authorities. Despite being the most thorough count available, this number likely underrepresents the true extent, with outcomes of these referrals remaining largely unknown.
Impact of Federal Policy Shifts
Although collaboration between local and federal agencies isn’t new, the frequency of these interactions increased notably following Donald Trump’s 2025 re-election. This period saw a marked rise in referrals compared to the preceding years.
Community Reactions
In places like Livonia, public scrutiny has led to a reevaluation of police practices concerning federal immigration cooperation, as reported by Outlier Media.
Minor Infractions Leading to Immigration Checks
Several referrals stemmed from trivial incidents such as minor traffic violations or mere suspicion by officers. Experts suggest these might be used as reasons to probe immigration status, though police maintain they act on observed offenses without ulterior motives.
Trust Concerns Among Law Enforcement
Concerns arise that these practices could erode trust, deterring migrants from reporting crimes. Melvindale Police Chief Chris Egan emphasizes the importance of community confidence, asserting, “law enforcement isn’t going to automatically lead to immigration or deportation,” which is vital for effective crime reporting.
Departments Engaged in Referrals
The following Michigan police departments have been documented making at least one referral to immigration authorities between 2021-26:
- Auburn Hills Police Department
- Brighton Police Department
- Brownstown Police Department
- Center Line Department of Public Safety
- Center Line Police Department
- Dearborn Police Department
- Detroit Police Department
- Fraser Department of Public Safety
- Grand Blanc Township Police Department
- Grosse Pointe Farms Department of Public Safety
- Hamburg Township Police
- Hastings Police Department
- Highland Park Police Department
- Huntington Woods Department of Public Safety
- Huron Township Police Department
- Livonia Police Department
- Macomb County Sheriff’s Office
- Madison Heights Police Department
- Marysville Police Department
- Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office
- Melvindale Police Department
- Michigan State Police (MSP) Houghton Lake Post
- MSP Investigative Support Section
- MSP Lapeer Post
- MSP Metro North Post
- MSP Metro South Post
- MSP Monroe Post
- Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
- Otsego County Sheriff’s Office
- Romulus Police Department
- Roseville Police Department
- Royal Oak Police
- St. Clair Shores Police Department
- Shelby Township Police Department
- Southgate Police Department
- Sterling Heights Police Department
- Taylor Police Department
- Trenton Police Department
- Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office
- Van Buren Township Department of Public Safety
- Warren Police Department
- Westland Police Department
- Wyandotte Police Department
It’s important to note that other agencies may have also been involved in similar activities.
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