RAVENNA, Ohio — Portage County has become one of three counties in Ohio to forge a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), enabling selected deputies to perform federal immigration law enforcement duties. This collaboration follows a national trend as more local law enforcement bodies align themselves with ICE to broaden their operational reach.
Under the 1996 Immigration Reform Act, local agencies can enter into 287(g) agreements which empower appointed deputies to act in capacities similar to ICE agents, including the execution of immigration warrants and detaining individuals on immigration grounds. Currently, Portage joins Seneca and Butler counties in Ohio with such agreements in place.
Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski publicized this new alliance via social media, noting that the agreement enhances local law enforcement’s capability to detain and transfer to ICE custody those who are unlawfully present and involved in criminal activities. This initiative, he stated, underscores a committed drive to bolster community safety by ensuring that federal immigration laws are upheld proficiently.
However, the adoption of 287(g) agreements is not without controversy. Critics argue that such partnerships may lead to racial profiling and infringe upon the civil rights of immigrant communities. There are also concerns about the financial burden and increased workload on local law enforcement agencies tasked with federal immigration enforcement duties.
While Portage County embraces this new role, nearby counties have taken different stances. Representatives from Cuyahoga and Summit counties indicated they do not plan to enter into agreements with ICE, emphasizing that immigration enforcement falls outside their routine operational duties. Lorain County noted infrastructure limitations, specifically an outdated jail facility, which do not support the requirements of a 287(g) agreement.
Meanwhile, Lake County seems open to exploring such agreements, with Sheriff Frank Leonbruno currently reviewing the potential implications of a partnership with ICE. Responses are pending from officials in Geauga and Medina counties regarding their positions on this matter.
As the discussion continues, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to implementing its new authority under the guidance of ICE, aimed at targeting criminal activities associated with unauthorized residents. The office has reiterated its dedication to maintaining public safety while upholding federal immigration laws, amidst the broader debate over the role of local law enforcement in immigration matters.
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