Residents and civic leaders used the public-comment period at the Mahoning County Commissioners’ meeting on Jan. 15, 2026, to press two connected themes: support for local law enforcement and alarm about human trafficking and violent crime, while some speakers urged caution about viral claims concerning ICE operations.

Christine Oliver, identified as president of the local Fraternal Order of Police Associates chapter and founder of Back to Blue Ohio, told commissioners that cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies "isn't about politics. It's about upholding the rule of law," and said Youngstown’s violent and property crime rates remain high. "I will always stand with our president in the stands for a secure border," she added, framing local ICE collaboration as a public-safety measure.

A different perspective came from Tracy Si of Boardman Township, who urged residents and media to rely on verified sources. Citing the Department of Homeland Security, Si said, "DHS has stated clearly and repeatedly, children are not being arrested in ICE operations. Minors are not being targeted," and warned that false claims and amplified videos have encouraged people to interfere with operations and risk harm.

Other speakers tied immigration and enforcement issues to broader public-safety concerns. Commissioner-level remarks emphasized unity and decried violent rhetoric; speakers said trafficking, drug smuggling and cartel activity have long harmed the region. Jeff Allen (identified in discussion as working on human-trafficking issues) was thanked for his work; commissioners recalled that Mahoning County has, at times, been ranked highly for human-trafficking activity because of geography.

The session also included personal accounts of local harms. One resident reported a June 29 water-main break on Meridian Road that she says damaged her basement and foundation and said a city denial of a claim has prompted plans to seek legal counsel; commissioners advised the resident to bring documentation to the mayor’s office and to contact the water-department director.

The public-comment segment closed without formal board action tied to the remarks; commissioners proceeded to routine business on travel, contracts and grant applications, and adjourned after completing the posted agenda.