Protestors clash at Romulus ICE demonstration

Members of the Romulus City Council unanimously approved a formal resolution in opposition to the proposed ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) facility in the community following a crowded and sometimes contentious public demonstration Monday evening.

The crowd, estimated at 100 to 500 people, demonstrated outside city hall before the regular meeting of city council members. While a large majority of demonstrators were opposed to the new detention facility proposed for 7525 Cogswell Road, some members of the crowd voiced support for the federal project. Shouting, shoving, and pushing between the factions were reported as punches were thrown. Romulus police were on hand to control the crowd and no injuries were reported. Several state elected officials joined the crowd expressing their opposition to the plan which includes the retrofitting of a former warehouse to hold about 500 detainees.

Tempers flared as demonstrators shouted “Nazis go home” at project supporters while the majority of the crowd continued to voice opposition to the facility, prompting at least one incident of fisticuffs, which was immediately controlled by police officers. No arrests or serious injuries were reported.

The proposed detention facility, formerly headquarters of the Gage Marketing Group, is located along Interstate-275 between Ecorse and Wick roads near Detroit Metro Airport. ICE representatives claim the project will generate 1,458 jobs, nearly $150 million in economic activity and more than $33 million in projected tax revenue. ICE representatives also said sites undergo community impact studies to ensure there is no hardship on local utilities or infrastructure before a purchase is made. Romulus officials strongly disagreed with that statement and approved the resolution language which states in part, “Whereas the existence of a detention center within the city of Romulus would have direct negative impact for local public safety, municipal services, land use capabilities and economic development.”

The city council meeting chambers was filled to capacity while overflow crowds continued to protest outside, shouting “Let us in.” Each side of the demonstration claimed the others were “paid protestors.”

Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight has been opposed to the proposed detention center since rumors of the plan began circulating earlier this month. In multiple public statements and media comments he has promised to take whatever actions available to halt the project.

During the meeting Monday, McCraight said the city will refuse to grant all required building permits and a certificate of occupancy to the project unless ordered to comply by the courts.

Protestors were joined by State. Sen Darrin Camilleri, State Sen. Matt Kolezar, several religious leaders and State Sen. Mallory McMorrow along with Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. Tlaib has been a vocal critic of the project, labeling it a "warehouse prison" and stating that "ICE is not welcome in Michigan".  Congressman Shri Thanadar has also publicly voiced his opposition to the project.

3 suspects arrested, await arraignment in fatal shooting

Three suspects have been arrested in the death of an Inkster man whose body was discovered in the Proud Lake area of Commerce Township.

The body of Andre Sontay Avant, Jr., 19, of Inkster was discovered at about 9 a.m. Feb. 16 by a visitor to the recreation area boat launch on Wixom Road, according to police reports. Three suspects in the fatal shooting, each 19, were arrested by Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputies three days later, two in the City of Romulus and another in Garden City where the teen had attempted to flee, police said.

All three were expected to be charged and arraigned this week, according to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.

Bouchard said last week that no connection between the victim or the suspects to Commerce Township had been discovered by investigators.rs

"At this time, we have reason to believe the victim was brought to the area and murdered. It is deeply troubling to see individuals place so little value on human life. This was a senseless and brutal act,” Bouchard said in a prepared statement.

Members of the Special Investigations Unit, Computer Crimes Unit, Fugitive Apprehension Team, Commerce Township substation and Crime Scene Unit worked together to develop possible suspects, execute multiple search warrants and arrest the suspects, Bouchard said.

"I am extremely proud of the coordinated effort by our whole team," Bouchard said. "Starting with virtually no information, investigators worked tirelessly and, within a week, identified and took three suspects into custody. That kind of work reflects the professionalism, determination, and commitment of this team. We will continue to pursue justice, and I look forward to those responsible being held fully accountable."

No further information regarding the suspects or charges was available at press time.

Proposed ICE facility building in Romulus is vandalized

Protests against the newly announced 500-bed ICE detention facility in Romulus were obvious last week when the 300,000 square foot building at 7525 Cogswell Road was vandalized with red spray paint. Portions of the red paint marks also appear to have been covered over with black spray paint, officials said.

The proposed detention facility will be renovated to house 500 detainees, according to information provided by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division of the  Homeland Security Administration. The building is located along Interstate-275 between Ecorse and Wick roads near Detroit Metro Airport.

A public demonstration regarding the project took place Monday prior to the regular Romulus City Council meeting.

Romulus Mayor Robert A. McCraight has been steadfastly against the plan and expressed his concerns in several media posts.

"We are also working with legal counsel to determine what authority we have in this matter," McCraight posted early in the discussion of the detention facility. He added that he was speaking to officials "at all levels" telling them that a detention center is not permitted and will be opposed by the city.

“Instead of this building bringing jobs to Romulus, it is being occupied by a rogue federal agency. Let us be clear, we do not want ICE in Romulus,” McCraight said in a statement.

The building is posted as "U.S. Government Property - No Trespassing." signs. 

State Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) is also pushing back against the planned detention facility

“Let’s call this ICE facility what it really is — an ill-constructed jail that would enable ICE to further terrorize our immigrant communities across Southeast Michigan.” Camilleri said in a statement.

He added that he was working with local, state, and federal leaders to keep the facility from opening.

“Make no mistake; ICE is not creating this detention center to keep our communities safe. This facility will undermine the work of our local law enforcement, ship in masked agents, and foment chaos throughout our region,” Camilleri said.  

Plymouth downtown parking deck renovations scheduled

Major renovations are planned this year at the Central Parking Deck in downtown Plymouth.

The construction is scheduled to begin when weather permits, according to Sam Plymare, director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

Plymale said renovations to the parking deck, built in 1983, are necessary every 3 to 5 years, with annual inspections and maintenance work every year. A majority of the work this year will take place on the eastern section of the deck where significant T-stem and concrete repairs are necessary. In addition, there will be minor work near the Main Street pedestrian bridge and some other areas, Plymale said.

Bids for the work are being accepted and exact project details will be determined once a contractor has been selected. The bidding process is expected to continue through February, and the DDA board is expected to award the project bid at the March 9 DDA meeting, he added.

A parking deck lifespan report was produced by engineers at Fishbeck in 2024. Engineers reported that the current parking deck has a reasonable lifespan of an additional 20 years. Plymale said maintenance review and repair operations will be continued by the DDA for the next decade. At that time, an assessment will likely be needed to determine the best path forward for potential replacement, he noted.

More information and updates are available at the news portion of the DDA website at www.downtownplymouth.org.

Canton Township adopts plan to reduce food waste

While about 1.5 million people in Michigan, or about one in six residents, are facing food insecurity, Canton Township officials are attempting to reduce food waste throughout the community. More than 400,000 children are among the 14-15 percent of hungry children facing the increasing demand at food banks, according to Feeding America data.

Canton Township has adopted a zero-food waste blueprint to offset the 44 million pounds of food waste in the community each year. That food waste produces 9000 tons of Co2e which would only be offset by planting 470,500 trees, explained Executive Director of Make Food Not Waste Danielle Todd at a recent meeting of the township board of trustees.

Todd told the board that last year, Canton residents spent $75 million for food they bought but did not consume and local businesses spent $1,250,000 on food that wasn’t sold. The waste, Todd said, costs $2 million a year in social costs.

Michigan, along with the U.S. government and the United Nations, has set a goal of cutting food waste in half by 2030. A goal the township has been committed to since 2023, Todd acknowledged.

In January of 2023, Canton launched a residential Food Compost Pilot Program to help reduce the amount of food waste being sent to landfills. In just the first year, the program successfully collected 166,674 pounds of food waste. To date, over 450,000 pounds of food waste has been diverted from the landfill, she reported.

Canton officials have adopted the program aiming to divert even more food waste with the recruitment of more program volunteers. Participating volunteers are issued a 2.5-gallon bucket with a lid, a sticker displaying the list of acceptable food waste, and a welcome email with detailed information about the program. Due to the size of the community, there are currently five designated drop-off locations for volunteers to use: Summit on the Park, Walker Winter School, Singh Sabha Temple, the Canton Farmers Market and Fire Station #2.

To learn more about Canton’s Food Compost Pilot Program and sign up as a volunteer visit cantonmi.gov/1360

To learn more about Make Food Not Waste, visit makefoodnotwaste.org

All dressed up

Annual free formal shopping event set at Plymouth library

The anticipated FormalSHARE event at the Plymouth District Library is planned for Saturday, March 7 when teens and adults can select formal wear including dresses, suits, sport coats, shoes and jewelry at no cost. The library is currently accepting donations of gently used, clean items on hangars for distribution during the special shopping day. Donations will be accepted through March 6. Hopeful shoppers are urged to call the library at (734) 453-0750 to reserve a shopping time. Items remaining after the March 7 FormalSHARE shopping event will be available for drop-in shopping March 8. The library is located at 223 South Main St.in downtown Plymouth.

Canton honors efforts of emergency response team volunteers

Members of the Canton Township Board of Trustees recently recognized the efforts of a group of volunteers from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) who completed the Canton Radio Coverage Mapping project. The volunteers generously gave their own time and resources to conduct detailed radio signal tests across 900 sections of the township. Through their efforts, they collected valuable data and recorded signal strength throughout the community, officials said.

The result of their work is a comprehensive map displaying the varying levels of radio coverage across the township that provides an important tool to guide further discussions with the Michigan Public Safety Communications System. With this information, areas that may require additional coverage can be more easily identified and options to enhance public safety communications for first responders implemented, officials said.

The volunteers received a Civilian Commendation Award in recognition of their exceptional service and contribution to community safety during the regular meeting of the board. “Their dedication and teamwork exemplify the spirit of service that strengthens our township and supports our mission to protect and serve our residents,” officials said.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Funkateers to appear at Inkster Icon Awards

The Inkster Icon Awards will be presented at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Robichaud High School The ceremony will feature the first showing of the upcoming film For the Love of Inkster and Inkster dancers, The Funkateers will perform.

The event is free and there will be more live entertainment and soul food served.

 

Annual cleanup of historic cemetery deadline is March 15.

The annual spring cleaning of Romulus Memorial Cemetery is under way, officials said.

Items such as wreaths and grave blankets must be removed by Sunday, March 15 and Department of Public Works employees will begin to remove any items that do not comply with the cemetery rules and regulations beginning Monday, March 16.

For more information regarding the cemetery rules and regulations, phone the office of the city clerk, (734) 942-7540.

 

Eco-Fair set in Romulus

The Romulus Garden Club is sponsoring the 2026 Eco-Fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at the Romulus Athletic Center.

More than 20 eco-friendly organizations and vendors will participate at the free event which includes speakers and presenters. Free activities for all ages are planned. Door prizes will be awarded.

The athletic center is at 35765 Northline Road.

 

Farmers Market dates set

The Canton 2026 Off-Season Farmers Markets will take place at the Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. Markets are set for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Feb. 15, March 15, and April 19.  For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

Rumors of Romulus ICE facility are confirmed

Plans for a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in the City of Romulus have been confirmed by the federal agency.

Local and state officials have expressed their concern and disapproval of the plans to house about 500 detainees at the building located at 7525 Cogswell Road in the city. The building is about 6 miles from Detroit Metro Airport and was formerly used as a Home Depot distribution warehouse.

Romulus Mayor Robert A. McCraight said in a Facebook post representatives from Homeland Security verbally confirmed the federal government had secured the building, though the city had not received formal written notice.

"We are also working with legal counsel to determine what authority we have in this matter," McCraight said. He added that he was speaking to officials "at all levels" telling them that a detention center is not permitted and will be opposed by the city.

“Instead of this building bringing jobs to Romulus, it is being occupied by a rogue federal agency. Let us be clear, we do not want ICE in Romulus,” McCraight said in a statement.

The building is posted as "U.S. Government Property - No Trespassing." signs. 

State Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) is pushing back against the planned detention facility

“Let’s call this ICE facility what it really is — an ill-constructed jail that would enable ICE to further terrorize our immigrant communities across Southeast Michigan.” Camilleri said in a statement.

He added that he was working with local, state, and federal leaders to keep the facility from opening.

“Make no mistake; ICE is not creating this detention center to keep our communities safe. This facility will undermine the work of our local law enforcement, ship in masked agents, and foment chaos throughout our region,” Camilleri said.  

The agency said the Romulus facility and its construction are expected to generate 1,458 jobs, nearly $150 million in economic activity and more than $33 million in projected tax revenue.

ICE also said sites undergo community impact studies to ensure there is no hardship on local utilities or infrastructure before a purchase is made.

Area residents have responded to that statement and have mobilized against the detention center.

Organizers have scheduled a meeting from 5:30 until 7:30 Monday, Feb. 23 at Romulus City Hall to plan action protesting the detention center. The meeting will be followed by the regular Romulus City Council meeting.

Weighty discussion

Trustee’s comments prompt widespread reactions, demand for apology

The heavy weight of public criticism fell on Plymouth Township Trustee John Stewart following remarks he made at a recent meeting of the board members.

Since his remarks at the Feb. 10 board meeting during discussion of the purchase of exercise equipment to be installed in township hall, Stewart has been the subject of several newspaper articles and a TV interview in attempts to clarify his comments.  Stewart, while saying he was in strongly supportive of the $20,000 purchase, suggested exercise was critical to overall health and that women working in the building should “pack a brown-bag lunch” and walk around the Lake Pointe Soccer Park  or begin yoga exercises during lunch hours.

His remarks were interpreted as insulting by some female employees of the township and as criticism of their physical appearance. Demands for an apology from Stewart quickly followed.

Stewart, however, defended his remarks claiming that the comments were an attempt to ensure that women employees had equal access to the new equipment and that he meant no insult or reference to any physical appearance.

Stewart characterized his comments at the meeting as an effort to promote the health of employees and confirm that the updated room would be open to women as well as male employees. He said his suggestions were a concern for overall health of employees.

Township Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz, however, said women in the building were “livid.”   Dershowitz said three female employees expressed their anger at Stewart’s comments, prompting him to send an email to Stewart on their behalf.

“I am requesting that you issue a formal apology to the Township’s female employees, particularly those working on the first floor, for the comments you made last night,” the email said, in part, also characterizing the remarks as “offensive, unprofessional, and unacceptable in the workplace.”

Doroshewitz did not attend the Feb. 10 meeting but said he watched it online and was confronted with the reactions of women employees when he arrived at township hall the next morning. He claimed that following his email asking for an apology Stewart confronted him in township hall and told him no apology would be forthcoming.

Stewart steadfastly contends that his remarks were not criticism or comments on the weight or appearance of any employees but motivated by support for a healthy work environment and equal opportunities for women to use the new equipment.

One long-time township employee said that was her interpretation of Stewart’s remarks. The long-time employee said she did not take offense to anything Stewart said during the meeting but she was aware that her response differed greatly from others in the building.

“I think you interpret things how you want to interpret them,” she said.

Stewart, a former three-term state representative, has served on the Plymouth Township board since 2000 and previously served one term as a trustee from 1988 until 1992.

Death of former Westland Judge Gail McKnight is mourned

A memorial mass is set tomorrow to honor the life of The Honorable Judge Harriet Gail Horan McKnight, a beloved public servant who served as a judge, a Westland City Councilwoman and a deeply engaged citizen of the community.

Mrs. McKnight, 80, of Westland, died Jan. 31.

She was born July 31, 1945, in Detroit and lost both her parents, Madge M. (Coghlin) and Edwin P. Horan before the age of 10.  Deeply Irish and Catholic, she attended the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grosse Pointe and later enrolled at the University of Detroit (Mercy) in 1963 as a journalism major.

While working on the school newspaper, she met Richard Carl McKnight, whom she married on May 20, 1967. The couple worked at Associated Newspapers while pursuing law degrees. Mrs. McKnight earned her degree with honors from Wayne State University Law School and entered public service, serving on the Westland City Council from 1978 until 1981 when she was appointed by Gov. James J. Blanchard as judge of the 18th District Court in Westland. She was reelected to the bench where she served for many years. In both roles, she was known for her seriousness, preparation, and strength of presence.

The couple were the parents of Mollie McKnight Feliks and Edward (Ted) McKnight, both of whom predeceased them—Mollie in 2008 and Ted in 2010. In the last 25 years of his life, Mr. McKnight lived with Parkinson’s disease. His wife supported him through an arduous journey and became a committed advocate for Parkinson’s research and awareness. Mr. McKnight died in 2020. 

Among Mrs. McKnight’s survivors are her sister,  Kathleen Madge Maureen (John) Daniels; a daughter-in-law, Mihwa McKnight; son-in-law Ken Feliks; grandchildren, Sam Taylor, (Nhia); Gena Taylor, (Siraj Naboulsi; Jessie Taylor; Emily Plauman (Brian); Kim Taylor; Christian Feliks (Heather); great-grandchildren, Mollie Temple, Amelia Plauman, Siraj Jr. Naboulsi, Amina Naboulsi, Nolan Taylor, Leila Taylor, Bobby and Jordan Zachary, Quinn Taylor, and Katherine Feliks.

A Memorial Mass is planned at 10:30 a.m., tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 20, at St. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church, 629 E. Jefferson, Detroit, with gathering beginning at 10 a.m.

Donations in Mrs. McKnight’s memory may be made to Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church, 629 E. Jefferson Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48226 or the Pope Francis Center, 438 St. Antoine St., Detroit, Michigan 48226- two places that reflect her deep care to faith, dignity, and well-being of others, and her enduring commitment to compassion in action, her family said.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Northman-Sassaman Chapel.

Suspect in Metro Airport crash faces stalking charge in Westland

The man who allegedly crashed his vehicle into the passenger terminal at Detroit Metro Airport has been arrested and charged with stalking by Westland police.

Brian Sutton, 37, of Clinton Township, was arrested at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 13 by Westland officers. He was arraigned 18th District Court in front of Judge Michael McNamara on charges of aggravated stalking. McNamara imposed a $250,000 cash or surety bond and if bond is posted, Sutton will be required to wear a GPS tether and have no contact with the victim.

Sutton is also facing multiple charges in the Jan. 23 crash in the McNamara terminal and Metro Airport. During the airport incident, officials said he appeared to be having a mental health emergency while crashing his Mecedes sedan into the terminal doors. He is facing charges of aggravated assault, malicious destruction of property and operating while intoxicated in that incident.

Sutton’s next court appearance is set for Feb. 26 at 18^th District Court. His preliminary examination on the charges is set for March 5.

Sumpter home invasion suspect facing multiple charges

A Lincoln Park man is facing multiple criminal charges in connection to a home invasion in Sumpter Township.

According to police reports, Patrick Kalange Gatt was arrested following a 5:22 a.m. 911 call on Feb. 12 from a resident of the Rawsonville Woods Mobile Home Community. The caller told dispatchers that a man had arrived at her home and was threatening the occupants and attempting to force his way into the residence.

The caller said the man was involved in an ongoing domestic violence situation with her sister who was present inside the home where she had taken refuge from the Lincoln Park home she shared with the suspect. While officers were on route to the scene, additional 911 calls notified police that the man had forced his way into the home.

The first officer on the scene immediately entered the residence and detained the suspect without further incident, according to police reports. Further investigation revealed that the man had threatened the occupants of the home while pointing a firearm at them. Officers also observed visible damage to the front door of the residence, according to reports.

Two handguns were recovered by responding officers, according to police. One handgun was discovered near the area inside the residence where the suspect was initially confronted by the responding officer and another inside Gatt’s registered vehicle. The vehicle was left running in the roadway during the incident, according to police.  Both handguns were unregistered and one lacked an engraved serial number. The firearms were accompanied by extended and drum-style high-capacity magazines. Police determined that the defendant did not possess a concealed pistol license in Michigan.

Officers also discovered hundreds of improperly marked pills in the vehicle which have been sent to the Michigan State Police forensic laboratory for testing. Police said the testing results could determine additional charges, if warranted.

Gatt was arraigned Feb. 14 on one charge of home invasion first degree; two charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of felony firearm violations. His bond was set at $50,000 and he will be required to wear a GPS tether if bond is posted.

Changes planned at 33^rd Canton Liberty Festival

Canton Township officials have approved changes to the traditional Liberty Festival set for June 18-20 this year.

The new focus for the 33^rd annual festival was discussed during the regular meeting of the Canton Board of Trustees Feb. 10. This year “a renewed emphasis will be placed on family-friendly activities and a more community-centered experience,” explained Recreation and Performing Arts Manager Laura Mortier. She told the board members, “While event organizers remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences alongside comprehensive safety standards, a renewed emphasis will be placed on family-friendly activities and a more community-centered experience.”

Those changes include earlier start times at the midway and games and closing at 8 p.m. each evening.  The traditional community fireworks display will be rescheduled to a date later in the summer to join the nationwide “America 250” celebration, marking the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and observance of the national semi quincentennial, she explained.

“Liberty Fest remains a cherished Canton tradition, offering families and visitors an opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, carnival rides, and community connection in a festive environment,” Mortier said. “The adjusted hours are intended to enhance the atmosphere while prioritizing the safety and comfort of attendees, volunteers, performers, and staff.”

Skerbeck Entertainment Group, Inc., will return as the carnival and midway provider for the largest township summer festival, and will feature a variety of rides, festival food, and games for all ages. “Canton Township has a longstanding commitment to delivering high-quality events that reflect community values while adapting to evolving needs. As always, festivalgoers can expect a fun-filled festival that is infused with exciting family entertainment and activities that deliver on everything visitors could hope to experience during this iconic Canton community tradition,” according to a prepared statement from the township.

For more information about the 33^rd Annual Canton Liberty Festival, visit www.cantonlibertyfest.org or call (734) 394-5460.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Romulus ICE protest set

Civic action groups have scheduled a protest meeting from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at Romulus City Hall.

Organizers are mobilizing against the proposed ICE detention facility proposed in the city.

The meeting will be followed by the regular Romulus City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting is open to the public.

 

Annual cleanup of historic cemetery deadline is March 15.

The annual spring cleaning of Romulus Memorial Cemetery is under way, officials said.

Items such as wreaths and grave blankets must be removed by Sunday, March 15 and Department of Public Works employees will begin to remove any items that do not comply with the cemetery rules and regulations beginning Monday, March 16.

For more information regarding the cemetery rules and regulations, phone the office of the city clerk, (734) 942-7540.

 

Eco-Fair set in Romulus

The Romulus Garden Club is sponsoring the 2026 Eco-Fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at the Romulus Athletic Center.

More than 20 eco-friendly organizations and vendors will participate at the free event which includes speakers and presenters. Free activities for all ages are planned. Door prizes will be awarded.

The athletic center is at 35765 Northline Road.

 

Farmers Market dates set

The Canton 2026 Off-Season Farmers Markets will take place at the Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. Markets are set for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Feb. 15, March 15, and April 19.  For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

Officials respond to rumored Romulus ICE detention facility

Unsubstantiated reports of a potential ICE detention center in Romulus have drawn quick responses from both city and state officials.

The city was named in federal planning materials as one of more than 20 locations across the country reviewed by ICE officials while exploring potential sites for future immigration detention facilities, according to reporting from Bloomberg earlier this month. Romulus appears on an early-stage list tied to discussions about repurposing large warehouse-style buildings as detention centers.

No local or federal officials have confirmed plans for the Romulus site.

The reports have been widely circulated on social media, prompting a response from Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight.

“My administration takes this issue very seriously and is opposed to any such operation being located within the City of Romulus. We are currently examining all legal options available to protect Romulus as well as our residents. We have investigated the sites that have been reported as "possible” detention centers and have found nothing that would substantiate the current rumors.

“We are also in direct contact with our representatives at the Federal and State level who have been extremely cooperative and helpful in addressing this issue. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise accordingly should we discover any additional intent to house such an operation within our community,” McCraight said in a formal statement.  

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are currently rapidly expanding the agency detention system with plans to bring more than 100,000 to 135,000+ total beds online this year.

The location of Romulus, near several downriver communities including Dearborn Heights and the City of Dearborn was cited in the reports as favorable for a detention center. Planning documents referenced in the report indicate a Romulus-area facility could house around 500 detainees, which would make it one of the smaller sites being evaluated nationwide. 

State Sen. Darrin Camilleri also responded to the reports naming Romulus as a potential detention facility site.

“Since these reports have begun to circulate, I’ve stayed in conversation with the City of Romulus, our members of Congress, and other elected leaders about the possibility of an ICE detention facility coming to our community. I want to emphasize that there is no concrete evidence at this time of any facility in Romulus being used or developed into a detainment center,” Camilleri said in a prepared statement.

“But let me be clear, Romulus and our surrounding communities do not want to see our neighbors detained and held unlawfully, whether it be in my district or anywhere else, and we will fight back with every tool at our disposal to stop it. The inhumane and criminal behavior of this agency should not be allowed to continue to inflict terror on immigrants, let alone doing so in our community,” he added.

Bloomberg reported that the information came from internal ICE planning materials and contractor briefings and is preliminary. Officials cautioned that locations could change and that some cities listed may reflect nearby areas rather than confirmed sites within city boundaries.

Being included in the planning documents does not mean land has been purchased or that a detention center has been approved. In other cities mentioned during the review process, some property owners have already stated they do not intend to lease or sell space to the federal government.

ICE has not publicly commented on the planning materials, and limited information has been released about where facilities would be located, how they would function, or whether surrounding infrastructure could support them.

Preserving history

Annual maintenance at landmark Romulus Memorial Cemetery planned

Members of the Cemetery Board of Trustees in Romulus are looking toward warmer weather for the annual Spring Clean-up at the historic Romulus Memorial Cemetery.

The annual clean-up takes place every year at the landmark burial ground, which was first established in 1832. The cemetery, officially designated as a historical landmark, is a matter of great pride in the community and is maintained and operated by the Cemetery Board of Trustees. This year, as usual during the spring cleaning of the area, items such as wreaths and grave blankets must be removed by Sunday, March 15, according to a posting from the city. Romulus Department of Public Works employees will begin to remove any items that do not comply with the cemetery rules and regulations beginning Monday, March 16, according to an official n

otice from the office of City Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg.

The cemetery is one of the oldest in the state and the preservation of the historic site where 25 Civil War Veterans are buried is a matter of respect for history, officials noted. The historical land was once called Blair Cemetery when in 1832, Warren Blair purchased 80 acres of land from the United States government. In 1833, Mr. Blair gave a portion of his land to the community for the purpose of a burial ground, and the Shook Road site was the only cemetery in Romulus.

Among the oldest gravesites is that of Robert Monomus, born in 1847, the last known Civil War Veteran buried in the cemetery. He was only 14 years old when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Second (102nd) United States Colored Troops Union Black Unit. He was 94 years of age at the time of his death on May 14, 1942.

Also buried in the Romulus Memorial Cemetery is Charles Cawetzka, a veteran of the Spanish American War who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during the Philippine-American War.

The earliest recorded burial was of Polly Pullens on Dec.21, 1833. Mrs. Pullens was the wife of Jenks Pullens who served in the New York Militia war in 1812. In 1877, with 170 graves at the site, Warren Blair's son sold the cemetery, and the property changed hands several times before members of the Romulus Township Board of Trustees took charge of the cemetery in 1901. Expansions have taken place at the site in south section in 1921, the west section in 1847 and the north section in 1957.

In 1989, the Romulus Historical Society applied for and was granted approval to designate the Romulus Memorial Cemetery as a historical landmark.

Each year, the clean-up of the cemetery is scheduled to preserve and respect the historic importance of the site, officials said.

For more information regarding the cemetery rules and regulations, phone the office of the city clerk, (734) 942-7540.

$353 million reconstruction of I-94 through area to begin this month

While motorists continue to endure snow, ice and generally freezing temperatures, the planned reconstruction of I-94 from Romulus to Dearborn will add another challenge to driving through the area.

The 3-year planned renovation of the interstate roadway by the Michigan Department of Transportation will begin at the end of the month, according to state officially. Work is scheduled to be complete in mid-2029, according to the state department website. Within the next few weeks, work crews will begin clearing and preparing the shoulders and medians of the highway for the traffic shifts necessary during the construction of 12.7 miles of the roadway. Romulus will be among the cities impacted along with several downriver communities.

Officials said one or two lanes of I-94 will remain open in each direction for during the project, while many ramp closures should be expected. Access to Detroit Metro Airport will be maintained throughout construction, as will access to Gate 10 at the Ford rouge plant.

The construction project includes “rebuilding and realigning the roadway, concrete repairs/patching, bridge work, ramp work, lighting improvements, cable barrier work, improved drainage, Intelligent Transportation System upgrades and building an entirely new interchange at Ecorse Road,” and other improvements, according to the state transportation department website.

The project will include five segments, officials posted, including I-94 from Wayne Road to Middlebelt Road; I-94 from Middle Belt Road to Beech Daly Road; I-94 from Beech Daly Road to Pelham Road; I-94 from Pelham Road to Oakwood Boulevard and I-94/Schaefer Road Interchange.

The state is investing $353 million into the Restore I-94 project, and officials said the investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 2,986 jobs.

United Way month-long Community Hygiene Drive under way

Plymouth Community United Way (PCUW), in partnership with local schools, service organizations, and nonprofit groups, is sponsoring Community Hygiene Drive throughout the month of February to help meet the growing need for essential hygiene products among families across Plymouth, Canton Township, and surrounding communities.

Rising costs and ongoing economic challenges have made basic hygiene items—such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products—difficult for many families to consistently afford, a PCUW spokesperson said. “This drive aims to ensure individuals and families can access these necessities with dignity, while strengthening collaboration across the community.”

The Kiwanis Club of Colonial Plymouth, Rotary Club of Canton, Plymouth Canton Community Schools Student and Family Engagement, First Step, and The Salvation Army, have partnered with United Way in the effort. Additional partners expected to join as the drive continues, according to a prepared statement.

Local residents can donate hygiene items at public drop-off locations throughout February, make a monetary donation at the GiveSmart website or purchase items through the Amazon Wishlist, which will then be shipped directly to PCUW.

Items being collected include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, kids’ soap, textured hair products, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, razors, shaving cream, feminine hygiene products, and sensitive-skin items.

All donated items will be sorted at The Salvation Army – Plymouth Corps and distributed evenly among partner agencies in early March. Volunteers will be needed during the first week of March to assist with sorting and preparation.

Approximately 30 collection boxes will be placed throughout the community, including schools, churches, local businesses, and partner organizations.

For more information, to host a collection box, or to get involved, visit plymouthunitedway.org or contact Justin Black at justin.black@pcuw.org or (734) 453-6879