Mariah Walton | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Chair
Immigration enforcement has become an increasingly visible issue for local governments, even though the authority to enforce federal immigration law rests with the federal government. Michigan municipal executives are obligated to avoid political positions while navigating an inherently political and complex operational environment to support staff, maintain community trust, and protect the municipality.
Michigan communities reflect diverse voices and perspectives, and municipal leaders are being asked to clarify their role in immigration enforcement. This article outlines practical considerations for local governments and offers guidance for developing clear, consistent, and legally sound approaches.
Why Immigration Enforcement Matters Locally
Immigration policy affects municipal organizations in several ways, and the impacts of federal immigration enforcement are felt most acutely in local communities. By clarifying roles, strengthening internal policies, and focusing on equitable service delivery, Michigan municipalities can reduce risk, support staff, and build stronger, more trusting relationships with their communities.
Service Delivery
Municipal operations depend on people feeling safe, respected, and confident when engaging with local government. When individuals worry that routine interactions could lead to enforcement actions or escalate into high stress encounters, they may hesitate to report crimes, seek assistance, or access essential services. Fear of engagement with government can stem from personal experiences, community histories, or broader perceptions of enforcement practices, which affect people regardless of immigration status.
These dynamics affect everything from crime reporting and emergency response to public health outreach and housing support. When fear or uncertainty creates barriers to engagement, it undermines public safety, disrupts service delivery, and impedes local government from meeting the needs of their entire community. Clear communication, predictable practices, and trauma informed approaches help reduce these barriers and strengthen trust across municipal functions.
The Value of Clear, Transparent Local Policies
Ambiguity is one of the biggest risks for municipalities. Clear policies promote consistent staff responses, strengthen public trust, and reduce legal risk.
Effective municipal policies typically address:
- Whether and when staff may inquire about immigration status
- How local police interact with federal immigration authorities
- What information the municipality collects and how it is used
- How to respond to requests from federal agencies
- How to ensure equitable access to services regardless of immigration status
Public Safety Support
Police departments often face the most direct questions and criticism about immigration enforcement. Municipal executives can support law enforcement leaders by ensuring:
- Officers understand their authority and limitations, helping them carry out their duties confidently and safely
- Training includes cultural competency and trauma informed approaches
- Communications with the public are clear and consistent
- Public trust in safety-focused policing, which supports cooperation and crime reduction
What does “Trauma Informed Approaches” mean?
A trauma informed approach means recognizing that people’s past difficult experiences can shape how they react today. In public service, we have the ability to influence the impact we have on our community members by communicating clearly, reducing unnecessary stress, and interacting in ways that help people feel safe, respected, and supported when engaging with the city.
Community Engagement
Immigration is a sensitive and often polarizing topic. Clear communication helps prevent misinformation and reinforces the municipality’s commitment to serving all residents. Municipal leaders can reduce tension by grounding their approach in policy, not politics.
- Be transparent on the statutory duties and the limits of local authority
- Highlight the importance of safety, fairness, and service delivery
- Engage community groups, faith leaders, and local employers
- Provide consistent messaging to staff, elected officials, and residents
Public Demonstrations
Strong local relationships are one of the most effective tools municipalities have for anticipating and managing public demonstrations. When municipal leaders maintain ongoing communication with community organizations, advocacy groups, faith leaders, and neighborhood networks, they gain early insight into emerging concerns and potential gathering activity. This advance awareness allows departments to plan staffing, coordinate across agencies, and prepare safety measures without unplanned strain on operations.
Trusted relationships also create channels for two way communication during periods of heightened tension. Community leaders can help share accurate information, encourage peaceful assembly, and relay concerns before they escalate. In turn, municipalities can explain safety protocols, outline expectations, and guide gatherings to occur in ways that protect both participants and the broader public.
Large public gatherings are more likely to be coordinated, predictable, and safe when these relationships are strong. This reduces the need for emergency staffing shifts, minimizes overtime costs, and helps maintain continuity of essential services. In short, proactive engagement doesn’t just build trust; it directly strengthens operational readiness and public safety.
Key Takeaways for Municipal Leaders
1. Trust must be built before a crisis.
Strong community relationships formed through ongoing engagement help prevent escalation and support stability during periods of tension or uncertainty.
2. Clear policies reduce risk.
Written, publicly accessible policies help staff respond consistently, protect the municipality from liability, and build community trust.
3. Public safety depends on resident trust.
When people fear interacting with local government, crime reporting drops and community safety suffers.
4. Service delivery should be accessible.
Confusion about enforcement practices can deter individuals from seeking essential services, including public health, emergency response, and utilities.
5. Communication is essential.
Consistent messaging to staff, elected officials, and the public helps prevent misinformation and reinforces the municipality’s commitment to fairness and legality.
Mariah Walton
Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Deputy City Administrator, Ann Arbor
Mariah Walton has served as the deputy city administrator for the City of Ann Arbor since 2025, bringing a strong commitment to public service, organizational excellence, and community-centered leadership. With 14 years of experience in public service, she has built a career focused on effective administration, workforce development, and equitable service delivery. Before joining Ann Arbor, Mariah held several key leadership roles in the City of Eastpointe, including city manager, city clerk, and director of personnel. She also served as assistant city manager and as the assistant to the city manager for human resources and purchasing, ultimately overseeing all human resources functions and the city’s civil service operations. Mariah holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. She is an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and serves as chair of the Michigan Municipal Executives (MME) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She is also a proud graduate and ongoing supporter of the Michigan Municipal League’s 16/50 Women’s Municipal Leadership Program.