Michigan Democrats are expanding their efforts to limit federal immigration enforcement in the state, introducing legislation that would prohibit any state or local law enforcement agency from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Sen. Rosemary Bayer, D-West Bloomfield, on Wednesday introduced Senate Bill 780, which is now before the Senate Committee on Government Operations. The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, and Sue Shink, D-Northfield Township.
The measure would bar Michigan law enforcement agencies, including the Michigan State Police, county sheriffs, and municipal departments, from entering into, renewing, or modifying immigration enforcement agreements with federal authorities. That includes participation in 287(g) agreements, which allow local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement supervision.
If passed, the bill would effectively block formal cooperation between Michigan agencies and ICE in carrying out immigration enforcement operations.
The legislation is part of a broader push by Michigan Democrats to restrict ICE’s presence and activities in Michigan, where the Department of Homeland Security has apprehended at least 202 illegal immigrants with serious criminal records that include homicides, sex assaults on children, rape, sodomy, extortion, trafficking and many other heinous crimes.
Earlier this month, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel launched an online reporting form asking residents to report ICE activity in Michigan as a means to investigate potential unlawful actions by federal agents operating in the state.
Nessel criticized federal immigration enforcement tactics, arguing that certain ICE operations have created fear and instability in communities. Nessel said she “will not tolerate harmful, illegal actions against our residents,” signaling a willingness to challenge federal enforcement efforts she believes are in violation of state or constitutional rights.
Democratic lawmakers have echoed those concerns in committee testimony and public statements, arguing that ICE activity in neighborhoods, schools, and other “sensitive locations” undermines public safety by discouraging immigrant residents from reporting crimes or cooperating with police.
In addition to Senate Bill 780, Michigan Democrats have been advancing a broader package of bills aimed at limiting how federal immigration enforcement operates in the state. During a Senate hearing earlier this month, lawmakers vetted Senate Bills 508, 509, and 510, proposals that would ban immigration arrests in “sensitive locations” like schools and hospitals, prohibit state agencies from sharing information with federal authorities without a warrant, and address enforcement practices critics say resemble a “secret police” force. SB 780 argues that separating local law enforcement from federal immigration enforcement will strengthen community policing by ensuring immigrant residents feel safe interacting with police.
During debate over the Democrat’s proposals, Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, dismissed concerns about such measures advancing, arguing they conflict with federal authority.
“I’m not concerned, and even if they were to get through, I mean, this is in counter distinction to federal law, the Constitution, that the local communities can make up their own immigration law,” Runestad told The Midwesterner. “They can’t, so it’s really something that they’re doing for politics and trying to choreograph an outcome.”
Senate Bill 780 now awaits further action in the Senate Committee on Government Operations, while the other anti-ICE bills remain in the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.
If approved, the legislation would move to the House, where it’s strongly opposed by a Republican majority.
Speaker of the House Matt Hall, R-Richland, said the House will respond if the Democrats want to continue trying to restrict ICE operations.
“If they want us to pay for their splash pads, then they can comply with federal law enforcement and enforce our immigration laws,” Hall said. “I want to send a clear message to you, if you’re going to be a sanctuary township, it’s going to put your state funding at risk.”
