These women were trying to escape domestic abuse. ICE detained them instead.

Women detained at Michigan's North Lake Processing Center describe being arrested on domestic violence allegations after their abusers called police first, with charges later dropped or never filed, yet still ending up in ICE custody. ProPublica documented several cases, including one woman separated from a nursing daughter who no longer recognizes her, and another whose boyfriend accused her of being the abuser after she tried to defend herself.

On his first day in office, the administration rescinded guidelines limiting immigration arrests at sensitive locations like domestic violence shelters and hospitals, and about a week later eliminated protections for applicants under the Violence Against Women Act. Kent County, Michigan, turned over more immigrants to ICE in the first six months of 2026 than during the entire Biden administration, despite having no formal 287(g) agreement.

Advocates say the changes are producing a documented chilling effect, with immigrant victims increasingly afraid to call police or leave abusive homes. A coalition of survivors and advocacy groups has sued the administration, arguing the policy shift undermines public safety and violates protections written into federal law.

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