A federal lawsuit filed jointly by Michigan AG Dana Nessel and the city of Romulus, joined by Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, aims to block the conversion of a warehouse into an ICE detention facility in Romulus.

Romulus City Council unanimously voted to join the suit against DHS and ICE over plans for the detention site, citing strain on infrastructure and resources.

The site is a 250,000-square-foot warehouse at 7525 Cogswell Road within roughly 27 acres, with plans for new security fencing and a secure operational area spanning about 19 acres.

The council resolution highlights concerns about negative impacts on property values, zoning, and broader community implications of hosting a detention facility.

DHS purchased the warehouse for about $34.7 million—roughly 57% above prior sale price—while proponents say the project could create around 1,458 jobs and generate roughly $150 million in regional economic activity.

Romulus officials argue the facility would burden the city, noting its proximity to residential areas and criticizing the process as non-transparent and misaligned with local regulations.

The case cites the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act to support coordination with local and state authorities.

Nessel criticized ICE for buying the warehouse without notifying local or state officials and questioned conditions in ICE custody, calling the site inappropriate for large-scale detention.

The complaint alleges DHS and ICE failed to evaluate alternative sites, neglected environmental review requirements, and did not adequately coordinate with state and local officials; the purchase occurred in February without proper notice.

Plaintiffs argue the site’s traffic, flood risk, proximity to schools and neighborhoods, and Romulus zoning laws render it unsuitable for a detention facility.

Additional concerns include floodplain issues and insufficient infrastructure capacity, such as sewer and bathroom facilities.

As next steps, the office has filed a FOIA request and submitted a comment letter, seeking transparency, with a goal of obtaining a preliminary injunction to halt construction pending review.