Sylvania residents clash over proposed limits on city cooperation with federal immigration; council asks administration to draft options

The City of Sylvania's Committee of the Whole on March 2 hosted extensive public comment on proposed ordinance 37-2026, which would limit the city's use of funds and staff time in federal immigration enforcement. After roughly 21 residents spoke for and against the measure, council voted 6-1 to ask the administration to prepare options (policies, a resolution, and/or an ordinance) and return to council within 90 days.

Supporters told council the measure would protect due process and preserve limited city resources. "The Bill of Rights does not distinguish as written between citizens and noncitizens," said Constance Schall, urging members to "vote for this ordinance to ensure good stewardship of our city resources and in a demonstration of support for all of our residents." Valimar Velasquez of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee said the core issue is constitutional protections: "The core of this issue is not really immigration, it's our constitution."

Opponents argued the ordinance could hinder public-safety operations and encumber police. "I ask that you deny the passing of the additional ordinance... Don't tie the hands of these very people that we have entrusted the power of police," said Ricky Thomas, a retired veteran, who said the police department already has policies in place. Others raised concerns about mutual-aid, unintended consequences for housing and local services, and legal exposure tied to policy choices.

Council members debated the process and whether law and safety officials had been adequately consulted. One council member moved that the administration prepare a package of options and consult experts; the motion carried on a roll call vote with six members in favor and one opposed. Clerk Miss Smith read the roll: six yes, one no.

Speaker 19, who identified himself in the meeting as the drafter of the proposed ordinance, said he had pursued legal review and anticipated an initiative petition would go to the ballot in November if council did not act. The council-directed work is due within 90 days; the administration was asked to consider resolution, policy and ordinance formats and to include input from the law director and police chief in that review.

The committee had been scheduled specifically to allow extra time for public comment; Mayor Frey and council members thanked residents for their participation and noted petitioners would be outside collecting signatures after the meeting.