Justice Department Sues Washtenaw County Over Sanctuary Immigration Policies

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit on April 9, 2026, against Washtenaw County, Michigan, and several local officials in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The complaint alleges that the county deliberately obstructed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) efforts, thereby violating the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The lawsuit names defendants including the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff Alyshia M. Dyer, and Prosecuting Attorney Eli Savit. Federal officials cite the county's refusal to honor ICE detainers, restrictions on information sharing, and the requirement for judicial warrants before federal agents can access county facilities as primary points of contention. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche characterized the county's policies as an effort to protect illegal aliens over American citizens.

Washtenaw County corporation counsel attorney Michelle Billard stated that the county intends to defend its policies in court, asserting they are firmly grounded in constitutional principles. This legal action is one of 14 similar challenges filed by the Trump administration over the past year against sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States.