Residents urge Butler County commissioners to end jail’s ICE contract; commissioners cite limits to their authority

Dozens of residents told the Butler County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 18 that the county should end the Butler County Jail’s contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arguing the partnership causes harm to families, chills civic life and dents the local economy.

At the start of the visitors’ comments period, Anne Jansen, who said she lives on 7 Mile where the “sidewalk ends,” told the board: “We are here today to ask you to terminate the contract that you have with ICE.” Multiple other speakers — including Ellen Price, Kathy Brinkman and Cassie Stevens — described fear in immigrant communities, recounted news reports and said the jail’s arrangement undermines public safety and tourism.

“Each week, I see less and less foot traffic moving in and out of our stores and restaurants,” said Carrie Pate, a Hamilton resident, who urged commissioners to consider economic harm. Linda Spurrier and other speakers cited national reporting of aggressive enforcement actions and said detained people often lack criminal records.

Commissioner Carpenter responded to the crowd by explaining the legal limits of the county commissioners’ role. “Under Ohio law, the Butler County Sheriff is an independently elected official who alone sets law enforcement policies, determines operational priorities, and makes decisions regarding cooperation with federal agencies, including the 287(g) partnership with ICE,” Carpenter said. He said the commissioners’ authority is “strictly administrative and fiscal” and recommended residents engage directly with the sheriff’s office or in elections to change policy.

Other commissioners acknowledged the strong feelings in the room and said they have listened; Commissioner Rogers noted the pressure the county faces from high migration numbers and said he is unwilling to cancel sheriff contracts until he is “completely confident that our Butler County residents are safe.”

The public asked a range of follow-ups, including whether the county has independent review of jail treatment, whether detainees in the jail include U.S. citizens, and what legal liability the county might face if constitutional violations occur. Several speakers asked the board to appoint independent reviewers; the administration said staff would follow up with information after the meeting.

The meeting record shows the board did not take formal action on the ICE contract during the public session; commissioners moved to recess to executive session at the meeting’s close and said no action would follow immediately.