| |  | Coalition Update
Coalition to
Shut the Camps
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| Post-Action Report
No Kings.
No Camps.
| March 28, 2026
You showed up — and it showed. Tens of thousands across Michigan declared: no detention camps in our communities. Here's what we accomplished and what comes next.
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| 100+
Rallies statewide
| 10K+
Michiganders out
| 7
Outlets covering Romulus
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| Recap
What We Built Together
✓ | Federal lawsuit filed — Case 2:26-cv-10968 The State of Michigan and City of Romulus filed suit in the Eastern District on March 24, challenging DHS on NEPA violations, failure to consult local government under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act, and the facility's fundamental unsuitability. Our coalition's documented record supports the legal case. |
✓ | 30+ organizations — labor, Congress, and state representatives Over 30 organizations co-signed our letters. Congresspersons Thanedar, Tlaib, and Dingell, Rep. Erin Byrnes, UAW Local 900, and faith and labor organizations joined our public presence. Rep. Byrnes: "Sure as hell not welcome in Romulus." UAW's Tonya Rincon: "Warehouses are for cargo, not human beings." |
✓ | National and regional media coverage The coalition has been the focus of 19 news stories, including national press reaching over 450,000 people. The fight against the camp has been covered in 55 news stories total. Our efforts are being heard and are bringing accountability to local elected officials and public agencies that are not doing enough to SHUT THE CAMPS. The coalition has appeared in USA Today, Detroit Free Press, Michigan Public Radio, WDET, MLive, Michigan Advance, and Fox 2 Detroit. |
| Agency Response
EGLE Update
| EGLE Director Roos → Coalition • March 24, 2026 | Confirmed: No permitsWatch: Gaps remain |
| “At this time, EGLE has not received any permit applications related to this site.” — Phillip D. Roos, EGLE Director
What the letter gives us
No permits issued or applied for. EGLE acknowledged our letter on the record, copied four division directors, and confirmed unpermitted regulated activity will face enforcement. This is a public record we can use.
What EGLE refused to commit to
The letter promises only what state law already requires. EGLE did not commit to:
- Directly notifying the coalition when permit applications are received
- Holding community hearings beyond the legal minimum
- Expedited or coordinated agency review given the urgency and environmental sensitivity of this site
The Coalition is meeting with state elected officials to express these concerns and preparing to directly confront EGLE's refusal to proactively engage with Michigan residents.
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| What's Next
Three Actions. Starting Now.
| Action 01 — April 25 | Mark Your Calendar |
| Communities Not Cages — National Day of Action On April 25, the Coalition to Shut the Camps will join the national Communities Not Cages Day of Action — a coordinated day of demonstrations at ICE warehouse detention sites across the country. Romulus will be one of the anchor sites. We need every partner organization to mobilize their full membership for April 25. This is our opportunity to connect local opposition directly to the national movement and generate the kind of coverage that reaches local, state, and federal decision-makers across the country. Time to be announced — watch for coalition update. | 📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 📍 7525 Cogswell St, Romulus MI |
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| Action 02 — Every Saturday — 3 PM | Organizing Now |
| Solidarity Saturdays at 7525 Cogswell Street — 3 PM Every Saturday, we are protesting the creation of the ICE Camp and coalition members will be there until it is shut down for good. In addition to our core members, we are working with coalition partners on Solidarity Saturdays — where your organization picks a date, organizes your members to attend, defines the day's theme, and helps co-lead the protest. Sustained, visible presence at the site is how we show elected officials, regulators, and media that this opposition is not fading. Each Saturday generates local media opportunities, community relationship-building, and documented public opposition. If your organization can co-lead a Solidarity Saturday, we need you to commit to a date. The Coalition will provide logistics support, a rally framework, signage, and cross-organizational promotion. Solidarity Saturdays — Coalition Schedule April 11 National Day of Protest at ICE Camps Detroit Will Breathe | April 18 Coalition Partner & Theme Needed Open for Adoption | April 25 No Camps, No Cages — National Day of Action All Coalition Partners | May 2 Coalition Partner & Theme Needed Open for Adoption |
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| Action 03 — April 22, 2026 | Regulatory Pressure |
| Great Lakes Water Authority — Demanding Public Transparency The facility's sewer infrastructure is a documented failure point. The Romulus Warehouse connects to the city sewer system through a 6-inch lateral feeding a 15-inch main under Cogswell Street — wholly inadequate for a facility capable of holding more than 1,600 detainees operating 24/7, and cited in the federal lawsuit. This facility will also operate large commercial kitchens and medical facilities that will further strain the infrastructure. Any sewer and water upgrades will require utility approvals. The Coalition will attend the GLWA April board meeting to deliver formal public comment demanding a transparent, coordinated review of all impacts this facility would have on water, sewer, and the environment. Turning out at GLWA is how we force this argument into the regulatory record and hold the elected officials who appoint the GLWA board accountable. | 📅 Tuesday, April 22, 2026 | 📍 735 Randolph, Suite 1900, Detroit MI 48226 |
Two ways to show up on April 22: Inside the boardroom Public Comment — 2 PM Speak directly to the GLWA board. Demand a transparent review of all infrastructure, sewer, water, and environmental impacts. | Outside headquarters Protest — 6 PM Join the coalition outside 735 Randolph. Show the board and the public that our community demands accountability. |
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| We are building something that cannot be ignored. Courts, regulators, utilities, and elected officials are watching. Every Saturday presence at that facility, every body in a boardroom, every organization that signs its name — it all becomes part of a record.
Forward this email. Share our coverage. Bring your members.
Heather Miller
Chair, Coalition to Shut the Camps
| Coalition to Shut the Camps
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