ACLU criticizes growing ICE partnerships with Ohio police agencies

COLUMBUS — The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio is raising concerns about the growing collaboration between federal immigration enforcement and local law enforcement agencies across the state, warning that such partnerships could undermine community trust and civil liberties.

The civil rights organization released a statement criticizing what it describes as an increasing number of Ohio police departments and sheriff’s offices entering into formal agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These partnerships allow local officers to assist with immigration enforcement activities.

“These agreements blur the lines between local policing and federal immigration enforcement in ways that can harm entire communities,” said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Freda Levenson in the statement. “When people fear that local police might turn them over to ICE, they become less likely to report crimes, serve as witnesses, or seek help when they need it.”

287(g) Program Participation

The partnerships primarily involve the 287(g) program, which allows ICE to delegate immigration enforcement authority to state and local law enforcement officers. Under these agreements, participating officers receive specialized training and can perform certain immigration enforcement functions.

Several Ohio counties have entered into such agreements in recent years, according to ICE data. The ACLU noted that these partnerships have expanded significantly, though specific numbers of participating agencies were not immediately available.

Immigration advocates argue that the agreements create a “chilling effect” in immigrant communities, where residents may avoid interactions with police even when they are victims of crime or witnesses to illegal activity.

Law Enforcement Response

Supporters of the partnerships, including some sheriff’s offices that have signed agreements, contend that the collaboration helps identify individuals who have committed serious crimes and may pose public safety risks.

“Our primary responsibility is to protect all residents of our community,” said one sheriff’s office spokesperson who requested anonymity. “These partnerships provide us with additional tools to address public safety concerns while ensuring that immigration enforcement is conducted properly.”

ICE officials maintain that the 287(g) program focuses on individuals who have been arrested for criminal activity, not on conducting sweeps or targeting law-abiding community members.

Community Impact Concerns

The ACLU’s statement highlighted research suggesting that fear of deportation can lead to underreporting of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other serious crimes in immigrant communities. The organization pointed to studies indicating that cooperation between local police and immigration enforcement can reduce public safety by making communities less willing to work with law enforcement.

“Public safety is best served when all community members feel safe interacting with police,” Levenson said. “These ICE partnerships work against that goal.”

The debate over local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities has intensified across Ohio and other states as immigration policy remains a contentious political issue. Some cities and counties have adopted “sanctuary” policies limiting such cooperation, while others have embraced closer collaboration with ICE.

Community organizations and immigrant advocacy groups are calling for greater transparency about which agencies have entered into agreements with ICE and what specific activities those partnerships involve.

Sources: Ohio Capital Journal