Michigan's Future Hangs in the Balance as Duggan Fails to Address Immigration Enforcement
In a shocking display of political cowardice, former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has refused to take a stance on immigration enforcement if elected governor. Despite public backlash against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Duggan's campaign has declined to answer six detailed questions about how he would handle federal immigration policy, instead relying on generic responses that fail to address the concerns of voters.
As the 2026 gubernatorial election heats up, Michigan residents are increasingly opposed to ICE. A recent poll found that 65% of Americans believe ICE has "gone too far" in enforcing immigration laws, with 60% disapproving of the agency's job and nearly half believing it makes Americans less safe. The shift is driven largely by independents and Democrats, while President Trump's approval rating stands at a dismal 39%.
Duggan's unwillingness to propose limits on enforcement could have serious consequences if he's elected. In Michigan, ICE has arrested over 2,300 immigrants in the first 10 months of 2025, nearly triple the number made in all of 2024. Most of these arrests were of individuals without a criminal record, including some as young as four years old.
Immigration advocates warn that ICE is becoming increasingly cruel and deceptive in Michigan to increase deportations. The recent raid on a Detroit home, where armed federal agents stormed the residence and pepper-sprayed protesters, highlights the need for clear guidance from potential governors.
Duggan's language has hardened on immigration, with statements such as "If you are in this country illegally, we should not be shielding you from ICE and federal enforcement" sending a chilling message to immigrants and their families. This shift marks a significant departure from his previous stance as mayor, when Detroit was declared the state's first "Certified Welcoming" city.
The lack of clarity on immigration policy has raised concerns among voters, particularly in light of Trump's threats against political opponents. Duggan's refusal to address these issues is a major factor in the tightening of the 2026 governor's race, with early polling showing Republican John James at 34%, Democrat Jocelyn Benson at 32%, and Duggan at 26%.
As Michigan residents go to the polls, they deserve clear answers from their candidates on how they would use their power to protect and serve all residents, regardless of immigration status. Duggan's failure to address this critical issue raises questions about his commitment to public service and his willingness to follow through on his promises.
In a shocking display of political cowardice, former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has refused to take a stance on immigration enforcement if elected governor. Despite public backlash against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Duggan's campaign has declined to answer six detailed questions about how he would handle federal immigration policy, instead relying on generic responses that fail to address the concerns of voters.
As the 2026 gubernatorial election heats up, Michigan residents are increasingly opposed to ICE. A recent poll found that 65% of Americans believe ICE has "gone too far" in enforcing immigration laws, with 60% disapproving of the agency's job and nearly half believing it makes Americans less safe. The shift is driven largely by independents and Democrats, while President Trump's approval rating stands at a dismal 39%.
Duggan's unwillingness to propose limits on enforcement could have serious consequences if he's elected. In Michigan, ICE has arrested over 2,300 immigrants in the first 10 months of 2025, nearly triple the number made in all of 2024. Most of these arrests were of individuals without a criminal record, including some as young as four years old.
Immigration advocates warn that ICE is becoming increasingly cruel and deceptive in Michigan to increase deportations. The recent raid on a Detroit home, where armed federal agents stormed the residence and pepper-sprayed protesters, highlights the need for clear guidance from potential governors.
Duggan's language has hardened on immigration, with statements such as "If you are in this country illegally, we should not be shielding you from ICE and federal enforcement" sending a chilling message to immigrants and their families. This shift marks a significant departure from his previous stance as mayor, when Detroit was declared the state's first "Certified Welcoming" city.
The lack of clarity on immigration policy has raised concerns among voters, particularly in light of Trump's threats against political opponents. Duggan's refusal to address these issues is a major factor in the tightening of the 2026 governor's race, with early polling showing Republican John James at 34%, Democrat Jocelyn Benson at 32%, and Duggan at 26%.
As Michigan residents go to the polls, they deserve clear answers from their candidates on how they would use their power to protect and serve all residents, regardless of immigration status. Duggan's failure to address this critical issue raises questions about his commitment to public service and his willingness to follow through on his promises.
like what even is he trying 2 do here? 65% of americans think ICE gone too far? that's a major swing for the libs meanwhile republicans r still tryna figure out who they are lol john james is lookin strong btw 
but honestly can't we all just get along on immigration policy 
. It's like they're playing games with people's lives. Duggan's lack of clarity is super concerning, especially considering the impact ICE has had in Michigan already. Arresting innocent kids and people without records? That's just not right 
. We need leaders who will stand up for what's right, regardless of how popular it might be with certain groups. If Duggan can't do that, maybe we shouldn't be voting for him 
.
meanwhile 65% of people are like "no thanks, we're good". and let's not forget the fact that he was once cool with Detroit being a welcoming city 
immigrants are already getting picked up by ice and pepper sprayed during raids 
and trump's approval rating is like, woah 39%?! 
if duggan can't even give us clear answers on how he'd handle immigration enforcement as governor it's hard to trust him 
. As if Michigan residents didn't already know he was soft on the issue. Newsflash, Duggan: we don't need more ambiguity when it comes to protecting our rights as immigrants and non-citizens alike! 
. And let's be real, most of those people were just trying to make a living or provide for their families. No need for enforcement that's more about intimidation and fear.
. As public officials, it's their job to lead and make tough decisions, even when they're uncomfortable. We need people who will stand up for what's right, regardless of politics or personal gain 
. Anything less is just a cop-out 
.
What does he plan to do about that? It feels like he's just going to shield them from accountability and let Trump's policies run wild 
And those numbers about ICE arresting kids and stuff... that's just crazy. What's next, gonna start rounding up people left and right without even knowing if they're guilty or not? 
I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this all plays out in 2026... fingers crossed Duggan gets his act together on immigration 
. I mean, come on, Duggan, tell us how you'd handle a 4-year-old getting pepper-sprayed in their own home 
meanwhile, immigrants are just trying to live their lives in peace & safety. we need a leader who's gonna stand up for everyone, not just the ones w/ "clean" records 
.
but at the same time I think it's great that more people are speaking out against the agency's enforcement practices 
and it's awesome that Detroit was one of the first cities to receive this recognition 
The fact that voters are getting more involved and demanding answers from their candidates is super positive 
and I'm rooting for whoever comes out with a clear plan to protect and serve all residents, regardless of immigration status 
if he doesn't get clear on this issue, i'm gonna have to take a hard pass on voting for him 
. And Trump's threats against opponents aren't exactly helping the situation.
And hey, maybe Duggan just needs a little push in the right direction to see things from a different perspective... after all, he did make Detroit a "Welcoming" city back in the day! 
his "if you're here illegally we shouldn't shield you" statement is super vague and actually kinda hurtful to the community - when will politicians just stop using immigration as a wedge issue and start talking about how to make our society better for everyone?