Residents urge Clermont County to clarify any 287(g) involvement and seek public input; commissioners direct questions to sheriff

Two Clermont County residents used the public-comment period Aug. 6 to press the Board of County Commissioners for clarity and public input about any county involvement in 287(g)-type immigration partnerships.

Debbie Davidson, a Batavia Township resident, said she and others are worried about the local costs and civil-liability risks if the county were to participate in federal immigration enforcement partnerships. “How are these costs and benefits being quantified? How will the federalization of our local resources commence if we decide to do this?” Davidson asked, and she asked when the community would have an opportunity for input.

Jen Mazzakelli of Union Township said county residents should be allowed to vote on any decision to “federalize county resources.” She cited news reports from other jurisdictions and concerns about detainees in nearby counties and asked whether Clermont County has already entered an agreement. “If we—re going to make a decision about county resources, it needs to be above board,” Mazzakelli said.

After public comment, Board President David L. Painter addressed those concerns, saying decisions about jail use and agreements with outside agencies involve the sheriff. Painter told the speakers the commissioners were not pursuing a countywide agreement and advised they speak with Sheriff Stratton about any marshal or federal agency contacts and any terms for jail use, including daily-use rates. “That—s something you really need to talk to him to status on,” Painter said, adding that any use of the county jail by outside agencies would include a daily rate.

The commission recorded no formal action on 287(g) or related partnerships at the meeting.