Ohio considers stricter immigration laws as ICE arrests rise
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios.
Daily immigration arrests in Ohio have spiked 209% since President Trump took office in January, according to a New York Times investigation.
Why it matters: The rise in arrests comes as Ohio lawmakers consider further expanding immigration enforcement and punishing interference.
- Critics fear such measures would increase racial profiling and distrust in law enforcement, and criminalize people whose only offense is their immigration status.
By the numbers: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested nearly 1,000 people in Ohio between Jan. 20 and June 10, per data from ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations division.
- Nationally during that period, ICE "more than doubled its daily immigration arrest rate, averaging 666 immigration arrests per day, compared with fewer than 300 per day in 2024," the NYT reports.
The latest: Republican state lawmakers holding majorities in both chambers have introduced several immigration-related bills so far this legislative session.
- The legislature is now on summer recess until September.
Zoom in: Before breaking, senators passed Senate Bill 172, which would prohibit local governments and officials from interfering with the arrest or detention of any "person who is, or is suspected of being, unlawfully present in the U.S." The House is now considering it.
- In March, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas started prohibiting arrests on courthouse grounds without a judicial warrant or order, citing "increased activity" disrupting due process.
Other bills being considered:
- House Bill 26: Would require local law enforcement agencies to assist ICE agents or lose state and federal funding.
- HB 200: Called the America First Act, would make it a felony for someone living in the U.S. illegally to "enter, attempt to enter, or be present in this state."
- SB 153 and HB 233: Would require showing proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, to register to vote.
- HB 281: Would withhold state grants and Medicaid funding from hospitals that don't cooperate with ICE agents.
What's next: Local protests organized by those opposed to the increased immigration enforcement and other Trump administration policies continue, with the next planned for July 17.