Federal government wants law enforcement office space in Columbus
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The federal government is seeking to rent office space to support unspecified law enforcement actions in Columbus and nearly two dozen other cities across the U.S.
Why it matters: The effort comes as the National Guard deploys in various cities across the country and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement expands its reach with billions in new funding.
Driving the news: Last month, a posting on the U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) website sought proposals for a 10-year lease on between 11,500-18,500 square feet of office space in Columbus.
- The listing does not specify which government agency would be using the space but said it would be used for "administrative operations for law enforcement."
Between the lines: The Washington Post reported that ICE is seeking new office spaces "to support plans to hire thousands of lawyers and immigration enforcement officers."
- NPR similarly reported more office space is sought to accommodate an increase in immigration enforcement.
Zoom out: Pittsburgh was also on the list of cities where the government wants more office space, along with St. Louis; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and elsewhere.
What they're saying: A GSA spokesperson tells Axios the department is "focused on supporting this administration's goal of optimizing the federal footprint and providing the best workplaces for our federal agencies to meet their mission."
- ICE did not immediately reply to Axios' request for comment.
The other side: Jennifer Fening, Mayor Andrew Ginther's deputy chief of staff, tells Axios that Columbus has "not been contacted by federal officials about an expansion of federal law enforcement activities here."
- "Columbus is the safest it's ever been, with homicides at a more than 20-year low even as the city has grown."
- Fening says Ginther and Columbus officials have met with Gov. Mike DeWine's team "to discuss additional opportunities for collaboration and partnership."
Editor's note: This story has been updated with more details about the posting.