Center Line Withdraws from ICE Agreement Amid Community Concerns
In a recent development that has captured local attention, Center Line officials have decided to end the city’s involvement in a controversial partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision follows a city council meeting where residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the arrangement, which had empowered the local police to arrest individuals suspected of being undocumented under ICE’s “287(g)” program.
The now-rescinded agreement had sparked significant debate within the community. Resident Amanda Ressler articulated the concerns of many, stating, “This agreement has been known for promoting racial profiling. And it costs the city money, and leaves taxpayers in the dark when we call for emergencies if the officers are busy with these ICE tasks.”
Concerns over racial profiling were echoed by Christine Sauvé from the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, who highlighted the risks to community safety when local law enforcement assumes duties typically reserved for federal agents. “How do they know if someone may have committed an immigration violation? They tend to rely on skin color, if someone speaks English with an accent, so it really amounts to racial profiling,” Sauvé explained.
In addition to these societal concerns, there are potential legal risks. Cities could face expensive lawsuits if local officers mistakenly detain or harm residents who have the legal right to be in the U.S.
The City of Center Line had initially stated the contract’s purpose was to enhance officers’ understanding of immigration laws and provide training in multicultural communication and racial profiling avoidance. However, after hearing the public’s concerns and deliberating with city officials, the decision was made to terminate the agreement with ICE.
Other Michigan law enforcement agencies have similar agreements with ICE, including the Taylor Police Department, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, and Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office. The City of West Branch has applied to join the program, with its application still pending.
Under the 287(g) program, local police are trained to check the immigration status of individuals they arrest for other offenses. However, they are not authorized to arrest individuals solely based on immigration status suspicion. The program allows for the temporary detention of suspected undocumented individuals to facilitate transfer to ICE custody.
ICE describes the 287(g) program as a means to “enhance collaboration with state and local law enforcement partners to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of aliens who undermine the safety of our nation’s communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws.”
It’s noteworthy that ICE does not provide financial reimbursement to local law enforcement agencies for the costs incurred while assisting ICE operations.
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