Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Butler County Sheriff Over ICE Detainee Assault
Federal lawsuit alleges Butler County jailer used racial slurs while assaulting Ecuadoran detainee so severely he was hospitalized, sparking claims of systematic abuse.
HAMILTON, OHIO — A federal lawsuit filed in U.S. district court in Cincinnati accuses the Butler County Sheriff’s office of mistreating an Ecuadoran immigrant held for federal authorities, alleging a jailer used racial slurs while punching the detainee so severely he required hospitalization.
The lawsuit centers on Luis Tenelanda, an ICE detainee who advocates say was brutally assaulted by jail staff. The complaint asks the court to declare that Sheriff Richard Jones fails to properly train and supervise jail personnel, while also seeking monetary damages for constitutional violations.
Sheriff’s Office Responds to Allegations
In a written statement, the Butler County Sheriff’s office declined to comment on specific allegations due to pending litigation but defended its operations. “The Butler County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the safe, secure, and professional operation of the Butler County Jail,” the statement read.
“Sheriff (Richard) Jones continues to stand behind the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office who perform a difficult and demanding job each day while maintaining the professionalism and integrity expected by the citizens of Butler County,” the sheriff’s office added.
Advocates Cite Pattern of Abuse
Lynn Tramonte, founder of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, said the officer accused of attacking Tenelanda received only an oral reprimand for failing to file an incident report. Despite Tenelanda’s hospitalization, the sheriff’s office determined the jailer had not used excessive force, according to Tramonte.
“This didn’t need to happen,” Tramonte said during a virtual press conference. “Mr. Tenelanda had been in this country for decades. He has adult children. He was a construction worker who built fire stations, police stations and schools. He was very proud of his work in this country.”
The plaintiff, his legal team, and immigrant-support organizations argue the incident reflects a broader culture of mistreating immigration detainees at the Hamilton facility. The Butler County Jail has housed immigration detainees under federal contract.
Legal Action Seeks Systemic Changes
Beyond monetary compensation, the federal lawsuit requests the court declare that jail staff violated Tenelanda’s constitutional rights and caused him severe suffering. The legal action specifically targets what plaintiffs characterize as systematic failures in training and supervision at the facility.
The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of conditions for immigration detainees housed at county jails under federal contracts. Immigrant rights advocates continue to monitor treatment of detainees held pending immigration proceedings or deportation.
