1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support and vote in favor of the ICE accountability package currently under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee: SB-508, SB-509, and SB-510. These bills would establish critical protections for Michigan families while maintaining public safety. The need for this legislation became urgent after ICE officers detained parents near a bus stop in Ypsilanti during student drop-off times earlier this week. According to the Washtenaw County sheriff, ICE targeted parents during these times, creating fear and disruption in our community. No child should witness their parent being detained while simply going to school. SB-508 would restrict ICE enforcement in sensitive locations including schools, hospitals, places of worship, weddings, and funerals, with exceptions only for imminent danger or valid court orders. These are places where people must feel safe to access essential services, education, and practice their faith without fear. When families avoid hospitals or schools due to immigration enforcement concerns, it harms public health and educational outcomes for entire communities. SB-509 would prohibit government agencies from providing personal information like names, addresses, and social security numbers to ICE for immigration enforcement purposes. This bill also requires reporting to Attorney General Dana Nessel by March 31 on how many times agencies were asked for information and whether it was provided, creating much-needed transparency and accountability. SB-510 would prohibit law enforcement from wearing masks or personal disguises when interacting with the public, with reasonable exceptions for COVID masks and physical face protection. This measure ensures community members can identify officers and builds trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. These bills strike an appropriate balance between public safety and protecting Michigan families from aggressive enforcement tactics. I urge you to move this package forward and vote yes when it comes before you.