Residents ask Mahoning County commissioners for transparency on ICE detainee housing and revenues

Residents at the Mahoning County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 24 pressed elected officials for details about federal immigration detainees being held at the county jail and how related revenues are handled. Speakers asked who approved the housing arrangements, how often the county is reimbursed and whether commissioners have control over the receipts.

Why it matters: Commenters said the issue raises questions about county oversight, use of public facilities and possible profit from housing federal detainees. Commissioners responded that the sheriff’s office manages federal contracts and that questions about detainee operations and contract revenues should be directed to Sheriff Jerry Green.

Darlene Petrola, 3062 Palmeri Drive, told the board: “This whole deportation debacle is racism and xenophobia disguised as keeping communities safe.” She said…