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Residents urge Kettering council to investigate alleged ICE‑related arrests and seek action; ambulance billing complaint raised
Summary
Public commenters told council about a report alleging Kettering Police interactions resulted in ICE arrests, asked council to investigate and consider opposing several state immigration bills; a separate commenter said he received large ambulance bills and was promised follow‑up.
Several Kettering residents used the Feb. 10 public comment period to press the City Council on immigration enforcement and city policy and to raise an unrelated ambulance‑billing concern.
Beth Holton told council she had received a report from Advocates for Basic Legal Equality that public records indicate Kettering Police stops led to arrests that involved ICE. Holton said the report described one Latino immigrant arrested after “calling 911 too many times” and another woman arrested after requesting an interpreter and urged council to investigate and to consider actions similar to those taken by the mayor of a neighboring city opposing state immigration bills.
“We received some public records request responses to ICE stops by Ketering Police Department,” Holton said. “If substantiated, these arrests would work against our stated community goals in Kettering. I request that these incidents ... be investigated by the Kettering City Council.” She also asked council to consider opposing House Bills 26, 42 and 281 and Senate Bill 172 that she said would involve local agencies in federal immigration enforcement.
Gary Ross echoed concerns and asked whether Kettering planned to enter a 287(g) agreement with Homeland Security or ICE, and he urged the police department to remember that its duty to “protect and serve” applies to all residents.
Mayor and staff encouraged commenters to meet with the city manager and police after the meeting for follow up. “Take the opportunity to speak to the chief, to city manager or to myself,” the mayor said, offering contact information and an invitation for direct follow‑up.
In a separate public comment, Ralph Haynes described two ambulance transports that resulted in bills of about $700 and $900; he said he lives on Social Security and could not afford the charges and that he had since lost his wife. City officials asked him to speak with the city manager and assistant manager before leaving so staff could explain the billing process and follow up.
What the council did and did not do Council members did not debate or vote on policies regarding immigration enforcement or ambulance billing during the meeting. Council members and staff offered to take questions after the meeting and to follow up with the police department and city manager’s office.
Why it matters Residents’ allegations about local police contacts and reported ICE involvement raise questions about local policing practices and community trust. The requests to consider opposing state legislation, if pursued, would be a political decision requiring separate council action.
