ROMULUS, Mich. ~ The Department of Homeland Security has taken ownership of a large warehouse on Cogswell Street in Romulus, prompting concerns from local officials who say they have not received formal notification about the site’s future. Officials confirmed that DHS representatives verbally acknowledged securing the facility, but the agency has not stated how it intends to use the building.
The facility at 7525 Cogswell Street, measuring between 261,000 and 300,000 square feet, was previously used for commercial warehousing before its federal acquisition. Reports from state lawmakers and prior coverage indicate the site may be under consideration for an immigration detention center as part of a broader expansion of ICE capacity, though DHS has not confirmed any planned function.
Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight said the city is reviewing what authority it has, noting that a detention center would not meet local zoning requirements. State Sen. Darrin Camilleri has voiced similar concerns, citing the lack of transparency and the potential impacts on surrounding communities.
Residents have urged federal officials to clarify the building’s purpose, pointing to posted DHS property notices as the only public indication of the change. With no formal communication from DHS to local or state leaders, questions about the warehouse’s future continue to drive community scrutiny.
