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

Taylor Police Department signed a 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in April 2025, making it the only Metro Detroit jurisdiction with such a federal immigration enforcement partnership. The deal has sparked community opposition: resident Melody Simmons was arrested for disturbing the peace after objecting at a city council meeting, while advocacy groups like Michigan United have called for the city to rescind the agreement. Police Chief John Blair says the agreement is routine cooperation that hasn't changed operations, noting ICE contacts his department when working in the city to prevent confusion; he's also opposed to aggressive tactics like pulling students from school. State Rep. James DeSana has sponsored a resolution encouraging other Michigan police departments to join the program, framing it as upholding the rule of law.