Over 90% of Detentions at Detroit-Windsor Border Due to Wrong Turns

More than 90% of foreign nationals detained at Detroit's Ambassador Bridge between January and March 2025 had accidentally driven onto the bridge due to confusing signage and road layout, according to Rep. Rashida Tlaib and immigrant rights groups. Many of those detained, including families and individuals unfamiliar with the area, faced prolonged custody by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), often without access to legal counsel or the ability for family members to locate them. Advocates, such as the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center and the ACLU, raised concerns over the conditions and lack of transparency in CBP facilities, which are reportedly not equipped for extended detentions or care of children. The issue gained additional attention after the deportation of Ricardo Prada Vásquez, a Venezuelan man detained following a wrong turn, with federal authorities alleging gang connections but immigrant advocates questioning the fairness and process of his detention. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for improved signage, greater transparency, and safeguarding of detainees' rights to prevent innocent mistakes from resulting in severe, life-altering consequences for immigrants and their families.