Michigan Sanctuary City and State Status in 2025 Explained

Key Takeaways

• Michigan is not a sanctuary state; no city officially claims sanctuary status in 2025.
• Federal DHS labels several Michigan cities as sanctuary jurisdictions, but local officials dispute this.
• Michigan legislature pursues stricter enforcement, requiring E-Verify and criminalizing illegal entry.

Michigan’s Sanctuary City Status and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in 2025: An Analytical Overview

Purpose and Scope

This analysis provides a detailed, objective review of Michigan’s status regarding sanctuary city policies and the protections or risks faced by undocumented immigrants as of July 2025. The focus is on the legal, political, and practical landscape, including recent legislative efforts, local and federal government actions, and the real-world impact on immigrant communities. The goal is to clarify the current situation, highlight key trends, and offer evidence-based conclusions for policymakers, advocates, employers, and affected individuals.

Methodology

This content draws on official statements from Michigan city and county officials, legislative records, federal government lists, and advocacy group responses. It reviews recent and pending state legislation, federal executive orders, and public statements by stakeholders. The analysis also considers historical context and compares Michigan’s approach to broader national trends. Data is presented in tables and bullet points for clarity, and official government resources are linked for further reference.

Key Findings Upfront

• Michigan is not a sanctuary state, and no city officially claims sanctuary city status.
• Several Michigan cities and counties have been labeled as sanctuary jurisdictions by federal authorities, but these labels are disputed locally.
• There is no clear legal definition of a sanctuary city in Michigan or at the federal level, leading to confusion and disagreement.
• The Michigan legislature is actively pursuing stricter immigration enforcement, including bills to criminalize illegal entry, require E-Verify for employment, and ban sanctuary policies.
• Undocumented immigrants in Michigan face increased risks of enforcement, employment barriers, and community fear due to these developments.
• Local governments and immigrant rights groups are pushing back against federal and state actions, creating a patchwork of policies and protections.

Sanctuary City and State Status in Michigan (2025)

No Official Sanctuary Designation

As of July 2025, Michigan does not have an official statewide sanctuary city or sanctuary state designation. The state government has not passed any law or issued any executive order declaring Michigan a sanctuary state. Similarly, no Michigan city has formally adopted a sanctuary city policy through a city council resolution or ordinance.

Federal “Sanctuary” Labels and Local Pushback

Despite the lack of official declarations, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has labeled several Michigan cities and counties as “sanctuary jurisdictions.” In May 2025, DHS listed Ann Arbor, East Lansing, and six counties—Oakland, Wayne, Kalamazoo, Wexford, Kent, and Washtenaw—as sanctuary jurisdictions. However, local officials in these areas have strongly rejected the label:

• Ann Arbor officials stated the city has never declared itself a sanctuary city and does not block federal law enforcement.
• Oakland County leaders denied being a sanctuary jurisdiction and said they comply with federal law.
• Wayne County officials suggested their inclusion on the DHS list may be outdated due to recent policy changes.
• Wexford County’s state senator called for removal from the list, asserting full compliance with the law.

Legal Ambiguity and Disputes

There is no clear legal or statutory definition of a “sanctuary city” in Michigan or at the federal level. This lack of clarity leads to confusion about which jurisdictions qualify as sanctuary and what legal or financial consequences they may face. The term “sanctuary city” is often used by federal authorities to describe any local government that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, but local officials may interpret their policies differently.

Federal Enforcement and Funding Threats

The Trump administration, continuing its approach into 2025, has threatened to withhold federal funds from jurisdictions labeled as sanctuary cities. An executive order directs the Office of Management and Budget to identify federal funds for suspension or termination for these jurisdictions. However, the exact impact on Michigan communities remains unclear, as legal challenges and local disputes continue.

Specific Protections and Policies for Undocumented Immigrants in Michigan (2025)

No Statewide Sanctuary Protections

Michigan does not have any statewide law or policy that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Instead, the state legislature is moving in the opposite direction, seeking to increase enforcement and reduce protections for undocumented immigrants.

Recent and Pending Legislation

Several bills introduced in 2025 aim to strengthen immigration enforcement and limit protections for undocumented immigrants in Michigan:

• Senate Bills 42 and 43 (Sen. Thomas Albert):
  • Require local law enforcement to check the immigration status of criminal offenders after lawful arrest.
  • Mandate cooperation between local jails and federal immigration authorities.
  • Establish grants to support local law enforcement cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • Create an Immigration and Customs Enforcement Support Fund to finance these efforts.
• Senate Bills 44 and 45 (Sen. Albert):
  • Make illegal entry into Michigan a state crime.
  • Allow undocumented immigrants to avoid state prosecution if they agree to return to their home country through legal ports of entry, except for repeat offenders or those charged with other crimes.
• Senate Bill 444 (Sen. Jim Runestad):
  • Require all employers (public and private) to use the federal E-Verify system to check the citizenship status of new employees.
• Senate Bill 445:
  • Require the Michigan Department of Corrections to track and report the citizenship status of inmates, aiming to identify undocumented immigrants in state prisons.
• House Bill 4342 (Rep. James DeSana):
  • Prohibit local governments from adopting or enforcing sanctuary policies that shield undocumented immigrants.
  • Authorize the state treasurer to withhold funding from municipalities that adopt sanctuary policies.

Opposition and Advocacy

Immigrant rights groups and some local officials strongly oppose these bills. They argue that such measures:

• Disempower local governments by taking away their ability to set their own policies.
• Create fear and confusion among immigrant communities.
• May violate constitutional rights and harm children and families.

Organizations serving immigrants, such as the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, emphasize the need for policies that protect immigrant children and families from toxic stress and uphold constitutional rights.

Practical Implications for Undocumented Immigrants in Michigan

Increased Cooperation with Federal Authorities

Local law enforcement agencies are being pushed to cooperate more fully with ICE. This includes sharing information about immigration status and detaining individuals for federal immigration enforcement. If the proposed bills become law, local police and jails would have less flexibility to limit their involvement in federal immigration actions.

Employment Verification

Employers in Michigan may soon be required to use the federal E-Verify system to check the citizenship status of all new hires. E-Verify is an online system run by the federal government that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9 to federal records to confirm work eligibility. This requirement could make it harder for undocumented immigrants to find work, as employers would face penalties for hiring anyone not authorized to work in the United States 🇺🇸.

Criminalization of Illegal Entry

If Senate Bills 44 and 45 pass, entering Michigan without legal status would become a state crime. This would add another layer of risk for undocumented immigrants, who could face state prosecution in addition to federal immigration enforcement. However, the bills allow first-time offenders to avoid prosecution if they agree to leave the country through a legal port of entry.

Potential Loss of Local Support

Municipalities that have adopted immigrant-friendly policies or limited cooperation with ICE may face funding cuts and legal challenges if House Bill 4342 becomes law. This could discourage local governments from offering support or protection to undocumented immigrants.

Community Fear and Confusion

Despite official denials of sanctuary status, immigrant communities in Michigan report confusion and fear due to conflicting messages from federal, state, and local authorities. The threat of increased enforcement and the possibility of losing local protections have created uncertainty for many families.

Data Presentation: Stakeholder Positions

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Comparison to National Trends

Michigan’s approach in 2025 reflects a broader national trend toward stricter immigration enforcement in states with Republican-led legislatures. While some states and cities have adopted sanctuary policies to protect undocumented immigrants, Michigan is moving in the opposite direction, seeking to align state law more closely with federal enforcement priorities.

Pattern of Local-Federal Conflict

The ongoing dispute between federal authorities and local governments over sanctuary status is not unique to Michigan. Across the United States 🇺🇸, cities and counties have pushed back against federal efforts to force cooperation on immigration enforcement. In Michigan, this conflict is especially visible in the public statements of city and county officials who reject the sanctuary label.

Trend Toward Criminalization and Employment Barriers

The push to criminalize illegal entry at the state level and require E-Verify for all employers represents a trend toward making life more difficult for undocumented immigrants. These measures aim to deter unauthorized migration by increasing legal and economic risks.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• Michigan is not a sanctuary state, and no city officially claims sanctuary status, despite federal labels.
• The state legislature is actively working to increase immigration enforcement and reduce local protections for undocumented immigrants.
• Undocumented immigrants in Michigan face growing risks of enforcement, job loss, and community fear due to these legislative efforts.
• Local governments and immigrant rights groups are resisting these changes, but their ability to protect undocumented immigrants is limited by state and federal actions.
• The situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates, legal challenges, and policy changes likely in the coming months.

Limitations of the Analysis

• Rapidly Changing Legal Landscape: Immigration laws and policies can change quickly due to new legislation, executive orders, or court decisions. The information presented here is accurate as of July 2025 but may become outdated if new laws are passed or existing ones are overturned.
• Lack of Clear Definitions: The absence of a clear legal definition for “sanctuary city” creates confusion and makes it difficult to compare policies across jurisdictions.
• Limited Data on Enforcement: There is limited public data on how many undocumented immigrants are affected by these policies in Michigan, making it hard to measure the full impact.
• Local Variations: Policies and enforcement practices can vary widely between cities and counties, leading to a patchwork of protections and risks for undocumented immigrants.

Official Resources and Further Information

For readers seeking more information or wishing to track legislative developments, the following official resources are recommended:

• Michigan Legislature Website – For up-to-date information on bills and legislative actions.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security – For federal immigration enforcement policies and lists of sanctuary jurisdictions.
• Michigan Immigrant Rights Center – For advocacy, legal support, and community resources.

Actionable Takeaways

• Undocumented immigrants in Michigan should stay informed about changing laws and seek legal advice if needed.
• Employers should prepare for possible E-Verify requirements and review hiring practices to ensure compliance.
• Local governments should monitor state legislation and consider the potential impact on funding and community relations.
• Advocacy groups should continue to educate communities about their rights and available resources.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing debate over sanctuary city status and protections for undocumented immigrants in Michigan highlights the complex and often contentious nature of immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸. The coming months will be critical in shaping the future for immigrant communities across the state.

Learn Today

Sanctuary City → Local government limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
E-Verify → Federal online system employers use to verify new employees’ legal work eligibility.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → U.S. federal agency enforcing immigration laws and detention of unauthorized immigrants.
Senate Bill → Proposed law introduced in Michigan Senate addressing immigration enforcement and policies.
Federal Executive Order → Directive from the President influencing federal agency operations and funding related to immigration.

This Article in a Nutshell

Michigan’s 2025 sanctuary city status remains unofficial despite federal labels. Stricter state laws threaten undocumented immigrants with enforcement actions, employment verification, and prosecution, fueling community fear as local governments push back against these controls amid ongoing policy debates.
— By VisaVerge.com