Columbus Moves to Restrict ICE as Council Weighs New Ordinances

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus City Council is expected to vote Monday night on a package of ordinances aimed at tightening restrictions on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity within city limits — a move that supporters call a stand for community trust and opponents label a political overreach.  

The proposed measures would ban ICE detention centers inside the city, prohibit city employees from performing paid work for the federal agency, and require ICE agents to identify themselves and refrain from wearing face coverings while on city property.  

City officials behind the legislation say the goal is to ensure transparency and reduce fear among immigrant communities. “This is about making Columbus a place where people feel safe reporting crimes and accessing public services without intimidation,” Council President Shannon Hardin said ahead of the vote.  

The ordinances would not bar ICE from operating within Columbus but would limit cooperation from city departments. Immigration advocates have pressed for such measures since 2018, when federal agents conducted several high-profile arrests across Central Ohio.  

Critics argue the legislation risks undermining federal law enforcement partnerships. “City leaders don’t have the authority to dictate how federal agents do their jobs,” said Michael McGee, a spokesperson for the local police union. “If criminals are here illegally, ICE has every right to remove them.”  

If approved, Columbus would join several other large cities — including Chicago, Denver, and San Francisco — that have passed similar “sanctuary-style” ordinances. The legislation could take effect within 30 days, pending Mayor Andrew Ginther’s signature.  

Council members are expected to take up the vote during their 5 p.m. meeting at City Hall, where both immigrant-rights supporters and law-and-order advocates are anticipated to testify.