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Mahoning Valley DSA asks Youngstown council to consider ordinance barring city cooperation with ICE
Summary
A Mahoning Valley DSA representative urged Youngstown City Council to adopt a sanctuary ordinance prohibiting cooperation with ICE and other federal immigration authorities, citing local ICE agreements and an ACLU report on expanding cooperation in Ohio; council said the law department is reviewing the matter.
A representative of the Mahoning Valley Democratic Socialists of America urged the Youngstown City Council to consider a sanctuary ordinance that would bar the city from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"I'm here to request that the city council consider adopting a sanctuary city ordinance that prohibits cooperation with ICE and other federal immigration authorities and agencies," Michael Seifert said, identifying himself with the Mahoning Valley DSA and citing recent enforcement activity and an ACLU report about expanding ICE cooperation in Ohio.
Seifert told council that the county jail and a private prison in the valley have agreements with ICE and said a local ordinance would prevent city resources from being used for immigration enforcement and would encourage residents to feel safer interacting with city officials. He offered a draft proposal for the council’s consideration and cited Pittsburgh and other cities that have limited local cooperation with ICE.
Councilman Ray acknowledged receipt of emails and calls on the subject, said he had spoken with colleagues and that the council was waiting to hear back from the law department. "We are looking into it," Ray said, adding that other Ohio communities have considered similar measures.
No ordinance text was introduced or voted on at the meeting; the council indicated it would review the request through the law department and staff before any formal action.
