Allegan County Threatens to Detain Parents If Children Do Not Mask

September 3, 2021

Lansing, Mich., September 3, 2021 – Amid growing concern over government mandates from across the state, one West Michigan county is taking its enforcement of mask mandates to a disturbing new level. Over the past few days the Allegan County Health Department has been issuing threatening letters to parents and students, stating that if they or their children disobey the mask mandate, they could be detained to “protect the public’s health.” To view the entire letter, click here.

The letter from a local health department has led to fear and outrage among Allegan County parents. While many expect to see a policy like this in communist China, communities in rural West Michigan would never expect to see such a draconian measure issued by their local government. 

“Every parent in the state should be appalled that a local health department would issue such a threat,” said Eric Ventimiglia, Executive Director for Michigan Rising Action. Ventimiglia continued, Allegan County’s Health Department must think we are living in the Cold War-Era Soviet Union. This display of government overreach is simply unacceptable in Michigan and the United States. The ACHD should cease making these threats immediately and issue an apology to try to rectify this horrible mistake.”