East Lansing Pushes Back on Sanctuary City Label; Lansing Approves Housing Pods

At Monday night’s East Lansing City Council meeting, Councilmember Mark Meadows sharply criticized the Trump administration after the city was named one of 18 “sanctuary cities” allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement.

“Be aware that we don’t plan on changing any of our policies with regard to this,” Meadows said, adding that claims sanctuary policies put Americans at risk are “completely false.”

In other East Lansing news, the city’s Independent Police Oversight Commission is seeking applicants to fill a vacant board seat. Interested residents can apply through the city’s website.

Meanwhile, in Lansing, more details are emerging about the recent purchase of 50 modular “mod pods” to provide housing for homeless residents. Approved by the Lansing City Council this week, the pods were originally purchased by a Kalamazoo nonprofit in 2021 for $1 million. Lansing’s purchase, including storage costs, totaled just over $645,000.

Tragedy also struck Lansing Tuesday evening when a fatal fire broke out at a home in the 3300 block of Continental Drive near Waverly Road. Firefighters found the roof collapsed, and one person was confirmed dead. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity.

In legal news, DeWitt-based attorney Christopher Wolfe has been convicted on multiple child pornography-related charges, including child sexually abusive activity and using a computer to commit a crime. Sentencing is scheduled for September 8.

Ingham County is moving forward with its first-ever Sustainability Action Plan, aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The plan will serve as a roadmap for reducing environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and managing natural resources.

On the energy front, the Trump administration has canceled $156 million in federal grants intended for solar projects benefiting low-income Michigan residents. State officials had already earmarked $14 million of those funds for planned projects. Nationally, $7 billion in solar funding has been terminated.