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Columbus council approves $2 million payment to Franklin County jail amid ICE policy concerns
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Summary
The Columbus City Council approved a $2,000,000 payment to the Franklin County sheriff’s office for housing city prisoners after weeks of review and public testimony raising concerns about the county jail’s interactions with federal immigration authorities. Advocates urged the council to withhold funds until policies change; council members said the city is contractually obligated to pay for services already rendered.
The Columbus City Council voted to authorize $2,000,000 to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office to cover housing of city prisoners, a move that drew sustained debate over county jail policies and possible cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Committee chair (Public Safety and Criminal Justice) opened the discussion by saying the ordinance had been referred back to committee earlier to allow time for questions about notification of federal immigration authorities. She said the pause allowed meaningful dialogue with the county and the sheriff’s office and that the vote would “allow the city to function while that conversation continues.”
A representative from the city attorney’s office explained the legal and contractual context, saying the city has a longstanding contract with the county for inmate housing and that the ordinance before council covered payment “for services that have already been rendered” to which the city is contractually obligated. The attorney noted the contract includes a 36‑month termination clause and that the parties would need to plan alternatives if they chose to end the arrangement.
Advocates urged the council to block the appropriation until the county and sheriff address the disputed policy. Isaiah Saint John of Como ICE Watch criticized the council’s earlier actions and warned of imminent transfers, asking sharply, “How many people are going to get delivered up into ICE’s concentration camps in 8 months?” He said about “160 people” could be affected and called on council members to take stronger steps on behalf of immigrants.
Ricky Asher, a resident and activist, urged the council to withhold funds until the practice they described as handoffs to federal immigration authorities ends, calling the work “the bare minimum” to protect constituents.
Council debate focused on the difference between legal authority and operational policy, and several members urged continued pressure on county officials while acknowledging limits on the city’s direct control. One council member said the city should continue pursuing joint review of policies and asked the city attorney’s office to clarify contractual remedies and options so the council can better assess its leverage.
On procedural and budget matters, a finance representative said the $2,000,000 figure matched budget documentation (an earlier line in the published budget had been a typo listing $1,000,000). The chair then called for passage and declared the ordinance adopted by voice vote.
The ordinance authorizes payment for housing Columbus prisoners at county facilities and does not change the county’s policies. Council members and advocates said further oversight and intergovernmental pressure remain priorities.
Next steps: council members asked the city attorney’s office and relevant departments to continue discussions with county counterparts about policy clarity and contractual remedies; advocates indicated they will continue to press county officials directly.
