Proposed Changes To Assist Kalamazoo Police Fight X-Train Mobile Parties

Kalamazoo is a medium sized city that has plenty to offer its residents and visitors but as someone who has lived here most of my life, things can get old very quickly. With only so many things to do, many people turn to creating their own fun and activities around town. For years this has led to many parking lot parties which eventually are turned mobile.

Get our free mobile app

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety has been trying to combat and contain the X-Train mobile nuisance parties for years but haven't had the success they have been looking for. The X-train is just a large line of cars that is normally driving through town with loud music, some reckless driving, and other disturbances to the surrounding public.

This has led to City of Kalamazoo Commissioners considering ordinances that would allow the police more freedom when interacting with those involved with the line. The ordinance would allow for police to seize cars found at sprawling, late-night “X-Train” parties in Kalamazoo. This can't always be done at the time of the nuisance which is where the ordinance comes into play.

The ordinance would allow Kalamazoo police to impound those vehicles at a later date in hopes of discouraging vehicles owners from participating in these parties in the future. First, the owner of the vehicle will receive a hand delivered letter stating that if they are found at another mobile party within 6 months, they could have their car impounded.

Kalamazoo Police To Fight X-Train Mobile Parties With Proposed Changes

This isn't a new initiative as Kalamazoo started this in 2024, but they needed seizure orders approved by district court judges before impounding vehicles in the days after the parties and the new ordinance would eliminate that step. Last year, 500 letters were delivered and about 25 cars were impounded.

City officials and public safety believe that people will take the warnings serious and if they follow through on their word than it will spread and others will take caution. Even if the ordinance were to pass it would allow the police to impound those cars without getting the court involved but would still need a search warrant if the car is on private property.

Data shows that about 16% of the cars at X-Train parties in 2024 were rentals, according to KDPS data. Another 38% belonged to residents, and 46% came from other areas. This doesn't matter as they will be sending the letters to rental companies as well so they are aware and can make adjustments. The police are looking for the most relevant offenders first hoping this will alarm others.