Columbus leaders warn of "unwelcome" ICE presence
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Columbus city leaders say ICE activity has increased locally without their permission or cooperation.
Why it matters: The Trump administration continues to increase ICE presence in cities across the country as the agency attempts to meet its goal of deporting millions.
Driving the news: Recent social media reports of ICE presence prompted Columbus leaders to confirm and address those reports at a Thursday news conference.
What they're saying: Mayor Andrew Ginther reaffirmed the stance taken since his 2017 executive order barring the use of city resources to enforce federal immigration policy.
- "We have not asked for and do not need this unwelcome intervention."
State of play: Police Chief Elaine Bryant confirmed "there are more agents," but said CPD is uncertain how many are here.
- Ginther said the city believes residents have been detained, but doesn't know how many or where detainees may be taken.
- ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to Axios' requests for comment.
Threat level: Council Member Lourdes Barroso de Padilla offered a sobering message to Columbus' immigrant community: "If you don't feel safe, you should not leave your home."
- "I know that folks are scared. We're heading into the holiday season. This was deliberate. This is when people knew you would be out buying your holiday meals, buying holiday presents. Kids are about to be out of school."
Zoom in: Columbus City Schools spokesperson Michael Brown said in an email the district has not heard of any incidents at schools, but is "hearing concerns from parents."
- The district is sending a letter to parents reminding them of the district's policies around "unexpected visitors" and ensuring children do not leave "unless with a parent or guardian."
Concerned residents should review "know your rights" pages from Legal Aid and the city, Ginther said.
Friction point: City Attorney Zach Klein called it "concerning" that ICE agents are often unmarked and unidentified, leading to fear and confusion.
- "My plea to the federal government…whether it's in Columbus or not, is: Live up to the same standards as the Columbus Division of Police. We identify ourselves, we say 'police,' we have badges."
"Columbus is already safe" without ICE intervention, Ginther said, pointing to multiple crime statistics "trending" in a positive direction, including homicides, felonious assault cases and burglaries.
The bottom line: Klein said the city is not concerned about its actions drawing federal pushback.
- "Everything you've heard today is in complete compliance with federal law."