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Residents tell council they are worried about data centers; police say they assist federal agencies but do not enforce immigration
Summary
During public comment, residents raised concerns about water use, noise, light and utility costs tied to data centers and asked whether local police would cooperate with ICE; Chief Jones said local police may provide assistance to federal agencies (traffic control, facility support) but are not responsible for immigration enforcement.
Two residents used the public‑comment period to raise concerns about local development and law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agents.
Jonathan Hager told council he is worried about the proliferating data centers near New Albany, saying he’d heard accounts of water becoming nonpotable, electricity bills rising, and persistent light and noise that make life near centers "unlivable." Hager asked the council to consider regulations to limit harms. The mayor acknowledged the concerns and noted that state and federal environmental agencies regulate air and water quality; he encouraged residents to research multiple sources and follow up with council staff.
Kaysha Gopal asked whether the police would cooperate with ICE or assist in profiling residents. The mayor asked Chief Jones to respond. Chief Jones said local police sometimes assist federal agencies in operational ways—traffic control, providing facilities or backup for a search warrant—but emphasized, “we are not charged with doing immigration enforcement. We never have.” He added that whether assistance is provided depends on the nature of the request and legal authorities involved.
On a separate question about protesting at venues named after donors, the mayor clarified that protests are permitted on public property and that venues such as the Wexner Pavilion are private, suggesting organizers contact representatives of the named institution for questions about building access.
Council did not take any formal action during the meeting in response to these public comments; staff encouraged residents to follow up with emails for more detailed conversations.
