Recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Minnesota and Maine has raised concerns about immigrant rights here in West Michigan. ICE has been active in Michigan, particularly in cities like Holland and Detroit. ICE has made its way across the country and is now making its presence felt in Grand Rapids. We have witnessed numerous arrests throughout the state.
“ICE’s recent actions have been dangerous and seemingly unconstitutional. It is clear that it is not a good idea for law enforcement officers to receive zero training; they are causing more harm than help in our country,” stated Catherine Grin ‘26.
Various organizations, from Native American tribes to Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), have issued statements about how to respond to ICE raids and inquiries. Native American tribes in Michigan are warning members to carry their identification with them due to recent ICE raids in Minneapolis that have resulted in the detention of many Native Americans. GRPS has created immigration resources, such as who to get in contact with and what rights to know.
Even the Detroit Tigers have also been advised by their union to keep their documentation on hand in case they are approached by ICE, according to the Detroit Free Press. While it seems unlikely that Major League Baseball players would be detained, it is better to be safe than sorry, given the rise in ICE raids.
Additionally, a new ICE detention center has been established in Baldwin, just outside Manistee, to hold detainees awaiting decisions on their legal status. It has the potential to become the largest detention facility in the Midwest. According to Bridge Michigan, while Trump promotes it as an economic boost for northern Michigan, many have concerns regarding the treatment of immigrants in Michigan.
Some students expressed the need for stronger law enforcement.
“I think ICE is necessary and needed for the US,” Jake Hedeman ‘26 said. “Enforcing immigration laws is part of how the country functions, as they stop bad people from committing horrible crimes. Everything they do is for the betterment of the American citizen.”
Yet, on January 7, Renee Good, a Caucasian woman, was shot in her vehicle by Jonothan Ross, an ICE agent with ten years of experience.
Furthermore, just a few weeks later, on January 24, ICE shot a second person in Minneapolis: Alex Jeffrey Pretti, who was a registered nurse, as reported by the New York Times.
In response to ICE, multiple advocacy groups have emerged. These organizations have organized protests for immigrant rights and opposition to ICE policies. They also work to inform citizens of their rights, such as the right to remain silent.
According to ABC News, a small group held a protest against ICE outside the Ford Federal Building in Grand Rapids on January 16. One man involved in the protest, who described himself as a “moderate” and mentioned that he had never been in a protest before, stated he felt compelled to take action after the recent events in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“The way ICE is operating is un-American and unconstitutional,” Constitutional Studies teacher Adam Horos said. “It reminds me a lot of Boston before the American Revolution.”
Overall, ICE is on the move, and deaths are increasing daily. There are many different opinions as ICE continues to carry out its “work”.
