Federal lawsuit filed to halt Romulus ICE facility

A federal lawsuit has been filed challenging the proposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility proposed in the City of Romulus.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed the suit last week in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The filing seeks to halt actions by ICE in converting a warehouse on 7535 Cogswell Road into a 500-capacity detention center claiming failure of the federal department to evaluate alternatives, complete environmental reviews, and coordinate with state and local officials.

According to property records the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) paid $34.67 million for the 261,450 square-foot building. Commercial real estate experts estimate this as a 57 percent premium cost for the property which was sold for $22.1 million in 2023. Similar overpayments for several other proposed buildings in multiple states are currently under review by the department, according to news reports.

The court filing claims that DHS and ICE violated the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to adequately consider alternative facilities like existing prisons, jails, or detention centers. The lawsuit claims the property has historically used for warehouse operations and was purchased by ICE without any notification to state, county or local governments or the public. The site had been positioned, authorities said, for city economic development and was expected to be sold to an automotive supplier which would have brought both jobs and tax revenue to the city. In the court filings, concerns about the proximity of the detention center to residential neighborhoods and schools, the location of the property in a floodplain and infrastructure limitations are cited.

During the announcement of the lawsuit last week, Romulus Mayor Robert A. McCraight noted the failure of the federal government to comply with the regulations posed a threat to the community.

“We are not asking for a handout, just the opportunity to grow and improve the quality of life for our residents, without being burdened by outside decisions that do not involve our community. Any project of this magnitude must go through all required permitting and legal channels,” McCraight said.

McCraight also took to social media to explain the city position regarding the detention center.

“Since everyone seems to have an opinion on this issue, and those opinions are largely based on assumptions and personal beliefs, let me be perfectly clear,” McCraight posted. “This legal action is about fighting for my community. Fighting for my home. My responsibilities don't permit me to allow my personal feelings to determine a course of action.”

McCraight posted that he believes the department officials would have determined the Cogswell Road building was unsuitable for the proposed facility had they followed official procedures established by the federal government for property acquisitions.

“This will be another negative impact on our city and a drain on our public safety,” McCraight posted. “Romulus has been ignored over objections over a deep injection well, airport expansion, incorrect floodplain maps, all driving housing values down. Not to mention, in addition to a lawsuit fighting radioactive materials being buried in a neighboring landfill,” he added.

“As the state's Attorney General, I have a legal and moral obligation to act if and when this administration behaves unlawfully and does so in a way that harms Michigan residents,” said Nessel. “The Romulus warehouse is simply not—and never will be—an appropriate place for a large-scale detention center. DHS…appears to have conducted an ill-conceived rush job, free from any traditional planning considerations or even basic concern for the many Romulus residents who will be impacted by their actions,” Nessel said during the official announcement of the lawsuit.

Members of the Romulus City Council voted to join the federal lawsuit. Council members previously approved an official resolution opposing the proposed ICE facility in the city.

“The people of Romulus have had unwanted infrastructure imposed on them before - last time it was a hazardous waste injection well, now it’s an ICE detention center. This proposed facility will drain police resources, hamper economic development, and bring chaos into our community,” said State Sen. Darrin Camilleri. “I applaud AG Nessel for her efforts to fight back against this unwanted project.”

“ICE has lost in court more than 4,400 times since October for wrongfully jailing people. Last year in ICE detention, we saw record deaths,” said State Rep. Dylan Wegela. “This year alone at least 13 people have died in ICE custody. It comes as no surprise that for an agency with a track record of terrible conditions for their facilities, ICE would choose a terrible spot for a new detention center like the Cogswell facility in Romulus. I represent the part of Romulus where this proposed facility is, and no one wants it. It’s a disaster in the making.”

Plymouth Township man hospitalized after dog attack

A Plymouth Township man remains hospitalized in stable condition following an attack by three large dogs last Saturday morning.

According to police reports,  police received an emergency call at about 6:35 a.m. March 28, reporting that a jogger was being attacked by three huge dogs. The caller told the 911 dispatcher that the man was on the ground “lifeless” and was no longer attempting to fight off the animals. The first officer on the scene in the 12000 block of Canton Center Road attempted to reach the victim but was aggressively confronted by the animals, according to police reports of the incident. The officer discharged his firearm in an attempt to clear a path to the unresponsive victim and one of the larger dogs was struck by the round. All three of the dogs ran from the scene in response to the gunshot.

Emergency first responders treated the victim, a man in his 60s, at the scene and transported him to a nearby hospital where he was reported in stable condition at press time.

After aiding the victim, officers searched the area and located one of the suspected dogs running loose near an elementary school. The animal, a Cane Corso, was secured and taken to the Huron Valley Humane Society facility for quarantine. The dog injured by the gunshot, also a Cane Corso, was located in the backyard of a neighborhood home, about five blocks from the scene of the attack. Several attempts by officers to secure the animal were unsuccessful and police were forced to dispatch the injured dog to protect the public, according to police reports. The third dog, a large pit bull, escaped from the scene and was captured by police early Tuesday morning in the area of Ann Arbor Road and Lilley, according to police.

According to breeder information, Cane Corsos are powerful mastiffs requiring experienced owners due to intense protective instincts, stubbornness, and massive size. Standard for the breed is in excess of 100 pounds. The dogs, according to the official website, “require firm training, secure fencing, and are generally not suitable for first-time owners.”

The owner of the dogs, a Plymouth Township resident, has been identified by police and the investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to police.

Anyone with any information about the incident is urged to contact police at (734) 354-3250.

Inkster mayor to challenge incumbent in democratic primary race  

Inkster Mayor Byron Nolen is challenging U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib in the primary election to choose a Democratic candidate for the Michigan 12th Congressional District.

Tlaib has represented the district since 2019. Nolen’s entry into the race signals a potential shift in what has largely been a stable seat for democrats in recent election cycles. Nolen said he is running on the idea that elected office should serve the public first.

“A congressional seat is a public trust, not a personal platform,” Nolen said, criticizing what he described as political leadership driven by personal agendas rather than constituents.

Nolen is currently serving as mayor of Inkster, where he has been credited with helping guide the city through financial challenges. Professionally, he is an employment attorney and small business owner. His campaign is expected to focus on civil rights, constitutional protections, and what he calls “genuine representation” for all residents of the district.

The 12th Congressional District includes parts of western Wayne County and downriver communities. Tlaib has not yet publicly responded to Nolen campaign announcement. She significantly outperformed other Democrats in her 2024 re-election, including areas like Dearborn, despite criticism from some local officials regarding her stances on the Biden-Harris administration. 

 Wayne Westland school district names new superintendent

Members of the Wayne-Westland Board of Education last week named Dr. Catherine M. Cost as the permanent superintendent of schools following a rigorous search and multiple candidate interviews.

Cost was named as interim superintendent last June. Her new title will become effective July 1, pending successful contract negotiations, according to an official statement from the district.

Cost is an experienced Michigan educator and school administrator who has served as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, and principal in multiple districts.  She has a career spanning two decades, focusing on school administration, public education, and supporting student and family services. 

She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, a master's degree from Oakland University, and a doctorate in Education Administration from Wayne State University. Cost served as the assistant superintendent for Farmington Public Schools for eight years and worked in that district as both a school principal and teacher.

Cost served as superintendent of Wyandotte Public Schools from 2014 through 2023 and as interim superintendent at Hazel Park Schools prior to accepting the interim superintendent position at Wayne Westland in June.

 Hop to it

 

The first event of the year for Sumpter Township Parks and Recreation was a huge success last Saturday, despite the cold temperatures, organizers noted. An estimated 250 to 300 children, at right, participated in the Easter Egg Hunt at Graham Park. Rumor has it that Township Manager Ken Marten may have been inside the Flop -E- Bunny costume having photos taken with the children.

More Easter events including marshmallow drops and Easter egg hunts are scheduled this week including:

 

In INKSTER:

Several Easter egg hunts are scheduled in and around Inkster including a unique Helicopter Drop Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. April 4, featuring free lunch, community activities, and candy-filled eggs. Another event includes an Easter Extravaganza with a, "Kiddie Disco" featuring a bunny meet-and-greet from 4 until 8 p.m. on April 4 at 27114 Michigan Ave. The event includes a bunny experience and egg hunt. Cost is $10 per child. 

 

In PLYMOUTH:

The annual Plymouth Township Easter Egg Hunt will take place beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4 at Plymouth Township Park baseball fields. The community event is sponsored by the Plymouth Lions Club and is for children 10 and younger. 

Easter EggStravaganza is set for 10 a.m. until noon at Trinity Church March 28, and an Easter Brunch at Saint John's Resort is planned for 10 a.m. April 5

It is recommended to check the websites of the Plymouth Park Department or specific venues for potential registration requirements. 

 

In WAYNE WESTLAND:

Several Easter egg hunts and spring events are scheduled in the Wayne/Westland area  including the traditional Wayne County Parks Marshmallow Drop. Thousands of marshmallows will be dropped from a helicopter. Special prizes will be awarded for lucky finds.

The drop this year will take place Friday, April 3, at Nankin Mills Park, 33275 Edward North Hines Dr, Westland. The annual event will feature a special sensory Marshmallow Drop at 9 a.m. and a general drop at 11 a.m.

The event is free and is limited to children 12 and younger.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Firefighters serve pancakes

Sumpter Township firefighters will host a Pancke Breakfast at the Sumpter Township Fire Station from 9 a.m. until noon April 18.

The cost for breakfast is $6 per person.

The fire station is located at 20550 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

 

Law Day set at court

The 5th Annual Community Day is planned for Friday, May 1, on the grounds of the 34^th District Court in Romulus.

Throughout the day, there will be public safety exhibits; a community car show; live entertainment; local vendors offering complimentary giveaways and a variety of food trucks on site.

The court is located at 11129 Wayne Road in Romulus.

 

Farmers Market date set

The Canton 2026 Off-Season Farmers Market 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. April 19.  For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

 

Mental Health Fair set

The Plymouth Community United Way will host the 5^th Annual Mental Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25 in Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth.

The event is free and will include 120 booths, therapy dogs, a walk-through brain experience, free vision screening, chair massages and entertainment. There will also be a petting zoo, magician and face painter on hand.