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ROMULUS, MI – A growing chorus of Michigan leaders and advocates are vehemently opposing a plan by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to establish a detention facility in Romulus, raising concerns about human rights, economic impact, and community safety. The proposed facility, slated for a warehouse at 7525 Cogswell Street, has sparked outrage and promises of legal challenges and public demonstrations.

The controversy centers on ICE’s recent purchase of the Romulus property, confirmed by both the agency and Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight. Even as ICE maintains the center will bring jobs and economic benefits to the region, critics argue it represents an expansion of harmful immigration enforcement practices and a betrayal of local communities. The planned detention center is located near Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a major hub for immigrant detainees, raising further concerns about accessibility, and oversight.

During a press conference Thursday, Feb. 19, elected officials and community leaders denounced the project, accusing ICE of operating with insufficient oversight and fostering fear within Southeast Michigan’s immigrant communities. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, stated her opposition to continued funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless significant changes are made to immigration enforcement. “Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life better and more affordable, not fund a rogue agency that is detaining and brutalizing people,” Dingell said, adding she voted against a recent DHS funding bill and will continue to do so “until these abuses end.”

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, characterized the proposed facility as an “unprecedented expansion” of ICE operations, labeling it a “warehouse prison.” Tlaib also criticized ICE’s reported plans to lease additional office space in Southfield, alleging a broader effort to bolster the agency’s legal and administrative capacity in the region. “ICE is now attempting to expand right here, an unprecedented expansion not only in one community, but two,” Tlaib said. “And this warehouse in Romulus that was slated for hundreds of permanent automotive jobs … they’re now turning it into a prison to cage hundreds of our immigrant neighbors. That is something that we’re going to say ‘hell no’ to.”

Southfield Lease Confirmed, Restrictions in Place

City officials in Southfield have confirmed that the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) executed a lease for office space at Oakland Towne Square, a commercial complex near the Lodge Freeway and Interstate 696. According to the city, the space will support administrative and legal functions on behalf of ICE, but will not house enforcement officers. CBS News Detroit reported on this development Sunday afternoon.

REDICO, the Southfield-based development company associated with Oakland Towne Square, clarified that it did not directly lease to ICE, but rather to the GSA “for general office use only.” In a statement to MLive, REDICO emphasized that the lease explicitly prohibits any law enforcement, detention, or similar activities on the property and that the company is prepared to enforce those terms. REDICO has also offered to meet with Tlaib to review the lease agreement and address concerns.

Community Mobilization and Legal Challenges

The opposition to the Romulus facility extends beyond federal lawmakers. State Reps. Dylan Wegela and Ranjeev Puri, along with faith leaders like Rev. Paul Perez of Central United Methodist Church and Rabbi Asher Lopatin, joined the chorus of criticism during Thursday’s press conference. Representatives from Michigan United Action, Indivisible, and Arab Americans for Progress also voiced their strong opposition.

Organizers are planning a rally from 5:30 p.m. To 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, outside Romulus City Hall at 11111 Wayne Road, ahead of the scheduled City Council meeting. The rally aims to pressure local officials to oppose the ICE facility and explore all available legal avenues to block its construction. The Michigan Daily reported on the planned rally and the broader coalition opposing the center.

Economic Impact and ICE’s Justification

ICE argues that the detention center will bring economic benefits to southeastern Michigan, projecting 1,458 jobs and nearly $150 million in economic activity, along with over $33 million in tax revenue. Although, opponents dispute these claims, arguing that the facility will harm the region’s reputation and deter investment. Blue Water Healthy Living reported on ICE’s economic projections.

The purchase of the Romulus building by the Department of Homeland Security was initially reported by Mayor McCraight on Feb. 13, with ICE confirming the purchase on Feb. 16. USA TODAY also reported on the purchase.

The situation remains fluid, with legal challenges and community mobilization expected to intensify in the coming weeks. The debate over the Romulus facility underscores the broader national conversation about immigration enforcement, detention practices, and the role of ICE in American society. The next Romulus City Council meeting will be a key moment for local residents to voice their concerns and potentially influence the future of the project.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.

China’s imports of Russian crude oil are poised to reach a new record high in February, exceeding 2 million barrels per day, as India significantly reduces its purchases of Russian energy, according to data from Vortexa and Kpler.

The shift comes after a period of sustained Indian demand for Russian crude, which had previously made India the largest buyer of seaborne Russian oil. India’s January spending on Russian crude fell to €2 billion, half the €4 billion spent by China during the same month, according to the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Chinese purchases have increased by 29% over the past two months, although India’s have declined by 23%.

The decline in Indian purchases follows U.S. Sanctions targeting Russian oil producers Rosneft and Lukoil late last year. These sanctions prompted Indian refiners to begin curtailing Russian imports. Recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming India had agreed to halt imports of Russian oil, have not been officially confirmed by the Indian government.

The discounted prices of Russian crude are a key driver of the increased Chinese demand. The flagship Russian grade, Urals, is currently priced between $9 and $11 per barrel below benchmark ICE Brent for January/February deliveries to China, traders report. Imports of Urals, previously less favored by Chinese refiners, doubled in volume in January 2026, CREA noted.

China’s independent refiners, often referred to as “teapots” located primarily in the Shandong province, are playing a significant role in absorbing the increased supply. These refiners have a history of purchasing sanctioned oil from countries including Iran and Venezuela.

India’s imports of Russian crude plummeted to 1.1 million barrels per day in January 2026, the lowest level since 2022, as refiners react to new EU bans on refined products derived from Russian oil. The U.S. And India recently reached a trade deal where lower U.S. Tariffs for Indian goods are contingent upon India reducing its purchases of Russian oil.

While India is seeking to appease the U.S. Administration through reduced spot purchases and a suspension of activity in Russian barrels by state refiners, Chinese refiners are capitalizing on the discounted crude. China imported €6 billion of fossil fuels from Russia in January, including pipeline gas, LNG, coal and refined oil products, compared to India’s €2.2 billion in fossil fuel imports.