Residents urge Butler County commissioners to end sheriff’s ICE detentions; officials cite litigation and federal receipts

Hamilton — Dozens of Butler County residents urged commissioners on Aug. 26 to end Sheriff Jones’s contract to house U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees, saying the practice separates families and intimidates immigrant communities. County officials responded that litigation is under way and that federal payments for housed federal prisoners have been recorded as general fund revenue.

The requests came during the meeting’s public‑comment period. “Does he have the right to use the office of sheriff for a personal agenda? … Is he promoting a personal agenda using his office, racially and ethnically profiling, creating fear in all immigrants?” said Sharon Meyer, a lifetime Hamilton resident. “What is done with the property confiscated by the sheriff during ICE raids?”

Why it matters: Speakers said the presence of ICE detainees at the county jail affects a wide range of residents — from people who fear driving or going to school to family members of detained people — and raises questions about county finances and legal exposure.

Several speakers cited recent enforcement actions in Fairfield and said most people taken into custody had no criminal records. “Sheriff Jones arrested 35 people in Fairfield over the weekend. As far as I can determine, only five of those 35 men had committed any alleged crime,” said Anne Jansen of Seven Mile. Linda Spurrier, a retired teacher, said news reports described 39 people taken in another operation and that only five faced criminal charges.

County Administrator Boyco told the commissioners that the prosecutor’s office is handling litigation filed against the county. “To date the prosecutor’s office has handled all of the litigation,” Boyco said. “I believe there are four cases that have been submitted as the county as a defendant, and we have heard from three of the four that the county has been dismissed in that litigation.”

Boyco also said about $4,400,000 had been collected so far for federal prisoners and that those receipts are deposited into the county’s general fund, not held inside the sheriff’s budget. “It is deposited into the general fund. It’s not reserved or placed back with the sheriff’s budget to respend,” she said.

Speakers also raised allegations of mistreatment and other local impacts. Linda Spurrier referenced a published account alleging abuse of a transgender immigrant who was detained in Butler County in June. Several commenters said students and workers had been retraumatized or were avoiding public spaces because of fears about enforcement.

Commissioners and administrators recorded several follow‑up items during the meeting. Boyco said she would ask Chief Dwire to provide a detailed explanation to the board about how vehicles and other property are handled when someone is detained and the circumstances under which a vehicle is released. She also said finance staff will analyze corrections staffing and operating costs as the county prepares the 2026 budget.

There was no vote or directive to terminate the ICE contract at the meeting. Commissioners did not adopt a policy change on Aug. 26; the remarks were taken during public comment and the board said staff would return with additional information for future consideration.

Public comment and next steps: Commissioners heard multiple public comments opposing continued cooperation with ICE and requested written follow‑up from county staff. Administrator Boyco said the prosecutor’s office would be the source for litigation details and that staff would report further financial and operational information in coming meetings.