ACLU Condemns Livingston County Resolution Targeting Undocumented Immigrants.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan has sharply criticized a new resolution passed by Livingston County. This resolution instructs local police to track all interactions with undocumented immigrants.
On September 23, the ACLU, along with 18 other organizations focused on immigrant and racial advocacy, issued a joint statement condemning the resolution. These groups include Behavior Analysts of West Michigan, Intentional Life Counseling and Addictions Treatment, and the National Association of Social Workers’ Michigan Chapter.
The statement expressed deep concern over the resolution, noting that it formalizes a plan to have law enforcement specifically target immigrants in the county. “Commissioners risk violating the law and sparking expensive legal battles, while also creating division and putting all county residents at risk,” the statement said.
The resolution mandates that the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) document all interactions between undocumented immigrants and deputies, regardless of the nature of the contact. Additionally, the resolution includes controversial references, such as labeling Vice President Kamala Harris as “the Border Czar” and making unsubstantiated claims about undocumented immigrants causing a rise in crime.
Contrary to these claims, FBI data shows a national and statewide decline in violent crime following a peak during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ellie Jordan, managing attorney for the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, which supported the ACLU’s statement, highlighted that Livingston County is the first in Michigan to adopt such a resolution. “Most communities understand the risks, including potential lawsuits, as this policy forces officers to choose between enforcing the resolution and adhering to the Constitution,” Jordan said.
The joint statement warns that immigrant witnesses and victims may be deterred from reporting crimes or aiding police out of fear of being questioned, detained, or deported. “We are all less safe when our friends and neighbors fear contacting the police,” the statement emphasized.
During the public comment period, some speakers argued that undocumented immigrants lack civil or constitutional rights. However, PBS reports that unauthorized immigrants do have fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech, due process, and equal protection under the law.
The ACLU further cautioned that local officers, who may not be well-versed in immigration law, could inadvertently violate the law by making decisions based on assumptions about an individual’s legal status. “Given the complexities of immigration law and the risk of racial or national origin bias, local law enforcement should avoid involvement in immigration matters and leave enforcement to federal authorities,” the ACLU advised.
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