Forty-three law enforcement agencies across Michigan, encompassing six units of the Michigan State Police and numerous local departments within metro Detroit and other parts of the state, made at least one referral to federal immigration authorities between 2021 and 2026. A comprehensive review of these interactions indicates at least 388 encounters statewide involving federal immigration agencies during this five-year period. While cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities is not a new practice, the number of recorded arrests and referrals experienced a significant surge following Donald Trump’s second inauguration in 2025. This increase saw some agencies making dozens of referrals in 2025 and 2026, a stark contrast to the few or none recorded from 2021 through 2024.
These referrals to immigration authorities, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, stemmed from various types of encounters. These included minor issues like a cracked windshield, jaywalking, or a broken-down car. In some instances, referrals were initiated simply based on an officer’s “suspicion.” Experts who reviewed records related to this investigation suggested that officers sometimes appeared to use minor violations as a pretext to investigate a person’s immigration status. However, police advocates offered a different interpretation, stating that officers were generally responding to observed violations and were not necessarily acting with an ulterior motive.
The implications of these interactions raise concerns among experts and some police chiefs. They argue that such encounters can discourage migrants and other community members from reporting crimes or cooperating with law enforcement investigations. Melvindale Police Chief Chris Egan articulated this concern, expressing a desire for residents to "know that law enforcement isn’t going to automatically lead to immigration or deportation." Chief Egan emphasized that building this trust is crucial for encouraging crime reporting and fostering cooperation during investigations.
The count of at least 388 encounters represents the most comprehensive available data on police calls to immigration authorities in Michigan in recent years. However, this figure is acknowledged to likely undercount the full extent of the practice. Furthermore, it remains unknown whether every person included in this dataset was ultimately detained or deported by federal authorities. It is also important to note that law enforcement agencies not specifically identified in this overview may still have been involved in immigration arrests or referrals during the period examined. Residents seeking information about their local police department's involvement with immigration enforcement have options for inquiry.
