Community Victory as Center Line Withdraws from 287(g) Agreement with ICE

Center Line, MI – A coalition of immigrant and civil rights organizations and Center Line residents celebrate the announcement that the City of Center Line has officially rescinded its Section 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  

Less than 48 hours after the November 3 City Council meeting, the city administration announced the withdrawal of the city’s participation in the program, as a result of an outpouring of community opposition. More than 75 community members packed the council meeting room, with 18 residents and community groups speaking passionately during public comments to oppose the agreement. Hundreds more contacted the mayor, council members, and Director of Public Safety in the days leading up to the meeting, demanding that Center Line end its collaboration with ICE and provide more government transparency. 

Residents were deeply troubled to hear the mayor and city council admit they were unaware of the 287(g) agreement until they were contacted by residents. This breakdown in communication underscores the urgent need for open governance and meaningful public input before entering into programs that impact residents’ safety and rights.

The ICE 287(g) “Task Force” model, which deputizes local police to perform federal immigration enforcement duties, has been repeatedly linked to racial profiling, civil rights violations, and community distrust. Horrifying images have come out of cities like Chicago and Los Angeles showing immigration raids and escalating violent and unconstitutional tactics by ICE. We do not want our police trained under those same guidelines or associated with that type of brutality. 

While we welcome the city’s decision to withdraw from the agreement, we are deeply concerned that officials continue to frame this as a “misunderstanding” rather than a recognition of the program’s proven harms. The community’s concerns were not misinformation or politically motivated; they were grounded in years of evidence from across the country and in the experiences of immigrant families living in America today.

This victory belongs to the residents, faith leaders, advocates, students, and organizations who showed up, spoke out, and refused to accept collaboration with ICE in their community. It proves what we already know: when we organize, we win.

“This is a testament to the power of our community,” said Henry Duong, Organizing Director at Rising Voices. “Immigrants, refugees, and communities of color who live in and around Center Line deserve to feel safe and valued. On Monday night, our voices were heard by city leaders, but we must keep fighting for a Michigan where every city and county leads with compassion, not criminalization.” 

“This decision is proof that when everyday people stand together, real change happens.” said Katrina Manetta, Executive Director of Macomb Defenders Rising. “It was deeply inspiring to see our community - neighbors, faith leaders, advocates, students, and organizations step up to protect Center Line from the harms of the 287(g) agreement. When people show up and hold leaders accountable, democracy works. We’re proud to stand with everyone in Center Line who refused to stay silent.”

"We applaud the many community members who thoughtfully and passionately spoke against the 287(g) agreement, and commend the City of Center Line for withdrawing their participation," said Christine Sauvé, Policy, Engagement, and Communications Manager at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. "These agreements have been shown to be costly, and lead to racial profiling and constitutional violations. Our communities are safer when local law enforcement focuses on building trust with residents, and steers clear of enforcing federal immigration law."

However, the work is far from over. ICE’s presence in Michigan, and its partnerships with local agencies, extends far beyond any single agreement. We urge Center Line leadership, and all municipalities in Michigan, to commit publicly to transparency, accountability, and the protection of all residents regardless of immigration status. We also uplift guidance from the ACLU of Michigan and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC), which strongly discourages local participation in federal immigration enforcement activities and recommends best practices for local law enforcement agencies. MIRC also tracks 287(g) agreements across the state. 

The coalition remains committed to monitoring immigration enforcement activity across Macomb County and to defending the safety and dignity of all Michiganders and immigrant communities.

Organizations endorsing this statement include:

50501 Detroit

About Face: Veterans Against the War

ACLU of Michigan

Detroit Action

Macomb Defenders Rising

Michigan Immigrant Rights Center

Rising Voices

SWARM - South Warren Alliance for Radical Movement