LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan taxpayers would be wise to keep a close eye on how the Democrat-led state government has been spending their money – especially with the 2026 elections set to shape the state’s political future.
In documents obtained by the digital outlet Michigan Enjoyer, it is revealed that the Office of Global Michigan is spearheading programs for those they call “newcomers.”
State-funded sanctuary.
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Using the documents received from the state, the Enjoyer claims that they show $46 million of public dollars were used in 2024 to fund legal services, housing subsidies, and other resources for undocumented and other non-citizens in the state.
Administered through a network of nonprofits with grants, the program is coordinated by the Office of Global Michigan and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
According to the Enjoyer, $1,074,236 went to the Refugee Development Center (RDC) which is home to the Newcomer Center where they promote “inclusivity and social justice.” Their website also says that improvements to RDC’s Newcomer Center were made possible in part by funding from a Michigan Community Center Grant, administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Additional handouts for immigrant services included $476K to Migrant Legal Aid. They offer legal services and disseminate “Know Your Rights” guides, advising individuals on how to handle encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This substantiates that the organization supports immigrants in the country illegally, including providing legal help to them.
Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates provides similar legal assistance and resources. They received $662,619. Their website offers a guide telling illegal immigrants not to open their doors to ICE, to not sign any documents, to record and photograph everything, stay silent, and contact an attorney immediately.
Other taxpayer funding uncovered includes:
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Bethany Christian Services: $17,669,114
Haitian Network: $100,000
Hispanic Center of West Michigan: $280,000
Immigration Law and Justice Michigan: $209,659
Islamic Center of Detroit: $50,000
Michigan Immigrant Rights Center: $350,000
Muslim Foster Care Association: $114,700
Southwest Immigrant and Refugee Center: $395,000
The Broader Implications.
Critics contend that such funding not only undermines federal immigration laws but also sends the wrong message to both immigrants and Michigan citizens struggling with housing, healthcare, and economic insecurity. As prices continue to rise and state agencies plead poverty for local programs and infrastructure needs, many taxpayers are asking why $46 million is being funneled into support systems that explicitly advise individuals on how to avoid immigration enforcement.
With the 2026 elections on the horizon, voters may soon decide whether they want their hard-earned dollars to continue supporting what some are calling a taxpayer-funded sanctuary network – or whether it’s time to reroute that funding back to the Michiganders who are footing the bill.
