DHS Abandons Romulus Warehouse Immigration Detention Center Plans

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) abandoned plans to convert a 473,158-square-foot warehouse in Romulus, Michigan, into a 500-bed immigration detention center. The federal government purchased the property at 7525 Cogswell Street in February 2026 but will now sell the facility after facing intense local opposition and legal challenges.

In March 2026, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the city of Romulus filed a lawsuit to block the project. The suit alleged that federal agencies violated the Administrative Procedure Act by ignoring environmental requirements and failing to consider alternative sites. Opponents argued the warehouse was unsuitable because it sat in a floodplain and lacked adequate sewer and restroom infrastructure. Additionally, the facility's proximity to residential neighborhoods and schools raised significant public safety and zoning concerns.

DHS confirmed it will instead utilize existing detention spaces through state and county partners. While the federal government has signaled its intent to offload the property, Attorney General Nessel stated that the lawsuit will remain active until a formal written agreement is reached to ensure the warehouse is never used for detention purposes.