Romulus may be considered for new ICE detention center
The City of Romulus has been named in the 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. 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 install an immigration detention facility in Romulus, according Bloomberg sources. 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 2026.
The location of Romulus, near several downriver communities including Dearborn Heights and the City of Dearborn is cited as favorable for a detention center, according to the report. 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.
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.
