Columbus City Council is set to introduce legislation Tuesday evening to shield families from certain federal immigration enforcement actions by ICE officers. The measures respond to a December ICE operation in Ohio that led to over 280 arrests.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
The proposed bill would bar ICE agents from entering public spaces, buildings, and properties without judicial warrants. It limits information-sharing with federal agencies, criminalizes harassment at daycares and schools, and bans detention centers within city limits.
Council also plans a resolution urging ICE to match local police standards for identification, training, and accountability.
Background: Operation Buckeye
The push follows “Operation Buckeye,” an ICE sweep from Dec. 16-21 across Ohio, including Columbus, resulting in 280 arrests targeting individuals with criminal convictions like drug trafficking and assault. Advocacy groups, including the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, criticized the operation for detaining people with work permits and disputed claims about criminal histories.
Statements from Leaders
Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla emphasized protecting community trust, stating the city prioritizes residents over federal enforcement. Mayor Andrew Ginther affirmed police won’t aid ICE but urged non-interference with federal actions.
A public hearing on the bills was scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.
Broader Context
The local effort counters Republican-backed state bills that could mandate cooperation with ICE, including budget penalties for non-compliant cities. Similar restrictions exist in cities like Philadelphia and Minneapolis.