At the event, Mayor Ginther confirmed that the city has received multiple reports this week of ICE operations targeting undocumented residents, prompting questions about local involvement and communication from federal authorities.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant emphasized that the Columbus Division of Police is not participating in or assisting with any of the enforcement actions. “Our officers are not working with ICE on these arrests,” Bryant said. “We want the public to know that these are federal operations, and we have not been briefed on their scope or timing.”
Ginther echoed frustration over what he described as a lack of transparency from federal agencies. “The absence of communication creates fear and confusion in our neighborhoods,” he said. “At a time when families should be focused on the holidays, this activity erodes trust and destabilizes our community.”
City officials said they are monitoring the situation and have reached out to federal representatives for clarification. Advocacy groups, meanwhile, have mobilized to offer legal and housing assistance to residents affected by the reported operations.
The mayor urged residents to remain calm, stay informed through verified sources, and utilize local resources if they have concerns about immigration enforcement in their area.