ROMULUS, Mich. (WXYZ) — Romulus leaders unanimously passed a resolution opposing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility plan Monday night after demonstrators clashed outside before a city council meeting.
The council approved the resolution, stating the facility would be a drag on the city.
Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below:
Citizens showed up to Romulus City Hall en masse, voicing their opposition. Before the meeting, protesters who gathered outside city hall to push back against the plan were met by counter-protesters and there was pushing, shoving and shouting matches. Protesters yelled "Nazis go home," at the counter-protesters.
"We have to let them know what's going on here is not right," one protester told 7 News Detroit.
Watch video from outside city hall below:
Federal immigration officials purchased a vacant building in Romulus with a plan to convert it into a detention facility, sparking concern among residents and local officials about the project's impact on the community.
The facility would be housed in the former Gage Marketing Group headquarters. ICE says the project will create nearly 1,500 jobs and contribute $160 million to the GDP while roughly $33 million in tax revenue.
Watch our previous coverage about the plan below:
However, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, who attended the rally, says the facility is a detriment.
"It's horrifying, especially when you learn that ICE outbid an auto supplier," McMorrow said.
Only about 30 to 40 community members got into the meeting because the room was at capacity.
The crowd outside chanted “let us in.” The crowd inside was pleased to hear the council pass a resolution opposing the detention center.
“Whereas, the existence of a detention center within the city of Romulus would have direct negative impatience for local public safety, municipal services, land use capabilities and economic development,” Romulus City Councilwoman Celeste Roscoe said during the meeting.
It was welcome news from those who went to make their voice heard.
“And I think that’s proof that this works. We mobilize, we stood out here, we chanted, we fought back and we’re going to hit them in every single area we can,” said Zane Parker, a protester.
Yet, some are not convinced it goes far enough.
“It will take a lot more of that, of mass mobilization, strikes, walkouts, direct action to actually stop this from happening,” said Kate Stenvig, another protester.
During the meeting, Mayor Robert McCraight said the city will not issue a permit or a certificate of occupancy unless mandated by a federal judge to do so.
We reached out to the U.S. Department of Human Services following the resolution but have not yet heard back.
