To investigate and prosecute hate crimes. The unit will follow up every credible tip. The unit will offer the Department’s resources to assist local enforcement partners. It will also offer resources to federal law enforcement.
“Hate itself is not a crime and our civil liberties protect the right to speak about even the most terrible of things,” said Nessel. “But when a criminal offense is committed against a person or property and it is motivated by an offender's bias against a particular group, then my Office will act.”
The Attorney General created the Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit to investigate and prosecute bias-motived crimes.
The Unit has prosecuted dozens of cases. It has also regularly collaborated with federal and local law enforcement.
Attorney General Nessel asks members of the public to contact the Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit if they are the victim of a hate crime. She also asks this of other law enforcement agencies. Everyone should reach out if they have knowledge of a crime motivated by hate.
Contact the Department of Attorney General
A hate crime is a criminal act committed against a person, group or their property. Hate crimes are motivated by prejudice or bias against protected traits.
This motivation is what distinguishes a hate crime from other crimes.
Michigan law defines a hate crime as behavior that harms or threatens another person. The behavior targets others because of the following traits:
The crime may involve hurting someone physically. It could involve doing damage to their property. It can also involve making threats that scare or harm them.
These incidents target a person or group based on their protected traits. Hate incidents may involve offensive comments, gestures or other non-criminal behaviors.
A hate or bias incident shows bias or hostility through:
There were 620 incidents of Hate/Bias in 2024 according to the Michigan State Police Crime Dashboard.
The number of these incidents emphasizes the ongoing need for robust legislation.
Discriminatory actions based on protected traits may violate the victim’s civil rights. These are rights and privileges guaranteed by law.
A civil rights violation is:
Contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights by phone at 800-482-3604, email, or you can file a complaint online.
This law changes Public Acts 259-260 to expand the definition of hate crimes. It adds sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected traits to the list of offenses covered.
The Act makes malicious violence, property damage, or threats based on bias a felony. It also has tiered penalties based on factors like firearm possession, prior offenses, or targeting minors.
This law changes sentencing guidelines for Public Acts 277-278 to include property damage.
Public Acts 277-278 introduce the crime of Institutional Desecration. They make it illegal to maliciously damage, deface, or vandalize certain properties due to bias against:
The law includes tiered penalties based on the extent of the damage or previous offenses.
Learn to recognize the warning signs. Speak up if you see something of concern. It can be done confidentially and safely.
If you are in danger, call 9-1-1. Or call the local emergency number.
Try to document as much as you can. Take photos and video. Do not tamper with the crime scene.
Then email the Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit.
Contact:
Michigan State Police (MSP)
Contact your municipal police department or county Sheriff’s Office.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) are also known as Red Flag Laws. They relate to anyone who is at risk of harming themselves or others. An ERPO allows a civil court to temporarily prevent someone from possessing or buying a gun.
ERPOs are a tool to prevent gun violence like mass shootings. They can also prevent suicide, gun injuries, and gun deaths.
“Swatting” is when someone makes a prank call to emergency services. This is done to send a large number of armed police officers to a particular address.
There are around 1,000 swatting incidents in America every year, and each incident is estimated to cost at least $10,000 to affected communities.
To report a swatting incident call 911 if it is happening right now. For non-emergencies, notify Michigan officials online, by phone at 1-855-MICHTIP (855-642-4847), or contact local law enforcement.
