ICE looks to expand operations in Grand Rapids

Max Bufkin, Staff Writer

Oct 6, 2025

GVL / Emily Riddle

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is looking to expand operations in Grand Rapids and 18 other cities, according to the General Services Administration. ICE’s expansion would include additional office space and hiring thousands of new lawyers and immigration enforcement officers nationally.

ICE’s increased presence across the United States is a result of President Donald Trump’s $350 billion budget allocated for border enforcement and national security. The agency’s quota has been raised to 3,000 arrests per day, raising concerns in larger cities including Grand Rapids. If ICE were to increase presence in Grand Rapids, residents would witness more workplace and neighborhood arrests, more jail-to-ICE transfers and faster movement from arrest to detention. ICE is now able to enter what have previously been deemed sensitive places, such as schools, churches and courthouses.

The move has raised concern for many at Grand Valley State University, which has campuses in Grand Rapids and students who commute from the city. Currently, the University’s only policy about federal immigration enforcement is to call the Office of General Counsel if federal officers enter or requests to enter a non-public area on campus. Students, faculty and staff who come into contact with ICE can call the Office of General Counsel at 616-331-2067.

Robert Shorty, vice president of People, Equity and Culture, said the University understands concern among students. He encourages them to visit “the Hub,” a University website with updates regarding federal actions.

“Grand Valley State University’s highest priority is ensuring the safety, well-being and support of all our students,” Shorty said. “We want to assure that we have clear, established guidance in place to address these situations and provide support.”

Many students question why the expanded ICE presence in Grand Rapids is being considered.

“I don’t think ICE needs to establish (more presence) in Grand Rapids because, in my 22 years of living in West Michigan, I have never looked around and noticed an immigration problem,” said GVSU College Democrats Membership Director Isabella Donaldson. “The United States is built on immigrants. If everyone living in the United States looks back at their family history, there is someone in their family who was an immigrant.”

Alexander Toren, a GVSU student and chair of the Kent County Democratic Party Youth Caucus, is worried about the possible impact of increased ICE presence on the campus community.

“Our students should have the ability to attend their classes and spend time on campus without the fear of oversurveillance from ICE,” said Toren.

Immigration rights groups such as GR Rapid Response and Movimiento Cosoecha are decrying the expansion, and calling for the Grand Rapids City Commission to declare sanctuary status, which they hope would limit ICE’s involvement. This January, Mayor David LaGrand stated that sanctuary status is only a label, and would not actually protect residents from ICE. GR Rapid Response claimed on Facebook that ICE’s search for expanded office space was “probably a consequence” of this decision.

GR Rapid Response was contacted by the Lanthorn, but was unable to provide comment, claiming to be overwhelmed with reports about ICE activity in the city.

Alongside Grand Rapids, ICE is looking to establish an office space in the following cities: