In Michigan, the tactics used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have taken a darker turn. The agency is employing more aggressive and deceptive methods to detain immigrants, often without public notice or adequate warning. Herman Dhade, president of the Detroit Immigration Law Firm, reports that ICE is using these covert tactics to make arrests in routine traffic stops and during marriage-based green card interviews.
According to Dhade, the strategy involves arresting individuals in front of their loved ones, including spouses who are unaware that their partner has been detained. He describes a recent case where a husband was arrested "right in front of his wife's eyes," highlighting the shocking nature of these actions. These tactics aim to avoid public visibility and minimize scrutiny from the media.
The use of administrative warrants is also becoming more prevalent, with ICE officers claiming they have the authority to enter homes without judicial warrants. Dhade emphasizes that this is a gross misunderstanding of the law, as only a federal judge can issue such warrants. In some cases, ICE has been observed battering down doors in pursuit of suspected undocumented immigrants.
Despite the lack of transparency and clarity on enforcement actions, Dhade advises families to take steps to protect themselves. "You should treat enforcement risk like any other emergency," he says. This includes planning ahead, keeping essential documents accessible, and informing loved ones about who to call if there is an incident.
ICE's expanded enforcement efforts have resulted in over 2,300 arrests in Michigan within the first 10 months of 2025, a significant increase from previous years. However, nearly three-quarters of those arrested do not have prior convictions or criminal records. This raises concerns about the agency's priorities and the impact on vulnerable populations.
As Dhade notes, these actions are not only invasive but also cruel, as families are often torn apart without due process. The use of administrative warrants to justify home entries is particularly problematic, as it allows ICE to bypass traditional channels and exploit confusion over paperwork.
Lawmakers and immigration activists have long warned about the dangers of these tactics, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies. Dhade's firm has seen firsthand the devastating effects of ICE's actions on families, including cases involving clients with work permits who were detained despite not having a criminal record.
According to Dhade, the strategy involves arresting individuals in front of their loved ones, including spouses who are unaware that their partner has been detained. He describes a recent case where a husband was arrested "right in front of his wife's eyes," highlighting the shocking nature of these actions. These tactics aim to avoid public visibility and minimize scrutiny from the media.
The use of administrative warrants is also becoming more prevalent, with ICE officers claiming they have the authority to enter homes without judicial warrants. Dhade emphasizes that this is a gross misunderstanding of the law, as only a federal judge can issue such warrants. In some cases, ICE has been observed battering down doors in pursuit of suspected undocumented immigrants.
Despite the lack of transparency and clarity on enforcement actions, Dhade advises families to take steps to protect themselves. "You should treat enforcement risk like any other emergency," he says. This includes planning ahead, keeping essential documents accessible, and informing loved ones about who to call if there is an incident.
ICE's expanded enforcement efforts have resulted in over 2,300 arrests in Michigan within the first 10 months of 2025, a significant increase from previous years. However, nearly three-quarters of those arrested do not have prior convictions or criminal records. This raises concerns about the agency's priorities and the impact on vulnerable populations.
As Dhade notes, these actions are not only invasive but also cruel, as families are often torn apart without due process. The use of administrative warrants to justify home entries is particularly problematic, as it allows ICE to bypass traditional channels and exploit confusion over paperwork.
Lawmakers and immigration activists have long warned about the dangers of these tactics, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies. Dhade's firm has seen firsthand the devastating effects of ICE's actions on families, including cases involving clients with work permits who were detained despite not having a criminal record.