Taylor’s cooperation agreement with ICE: ‘Shameful’ or ‘nothing at all’?

Taylor has become the only Metro Detroit community with a 287(g) agreement allowing local police to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement with immigration enforcement. Police Chief John Blair signed the agreement in April 2025, characterizing it as routine information-sharing that hasn't changed department operations. However, residents like Melody Simmons and Tim Kachinski have protested the deal at city council meetings, calling it a threat to immigrant dignity and community trust. Simmons was arrested for disturbing the peace after her vocal objection at a May council meeting.

The agreement has drawn both criticism and support. Advocacy groups like Michigan United call it harmful surveillance, while state Rep. James DeSana introduced a resolution encouraging other Michigan police agencies to join the program, framing it as upholding the rule of law. Police Chief Blair says the agreement prevents uncontrolled ICE operations in Taylor by requiring notification, citing a fatal 2025 Minneapolis shooting as a cautionary example. The city council has not voted to rescind or formally approve the agreement, leaving its status contested.