Top Democrats in Columbus, Ohio, including Mayor Andrew Ginther and City Council President Shannon Hardin, are actively warning illegal immigrants about the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the area. This response follows recent ICE arrests of various illegal aliens. The officials express concerns about the community's safety and trust in local law enforcement, as well as the potential consequences of federal immigration actions.
• Warning to Residents: Mayor Ginther and Hardin have publicly notified residents, especially undocumented immigrants, about ICE activities in Columbus, claiming the city's safety is not dependent on federal intervention.
• Focus on Safety: They emphasized that the city is safe, citing a decline in crime statistics, and argued against the fear instilled by ICE actions. Ginther stated that community trust in the police could be undermined by immigration enforcement.
• Community Support: Hardin encouraged residents to check on their neighbors in need and reminded them that they can record interactions with ICE agents. He advised them to carry identification and memorize emergency contacts.
• Refusal to Aid ICE: Hardin mentioned the city's stance against aiding ICE, referring to an executive order from 2017 that prohibits city resources from being used for immigration enforcement unless under a court order.
• Rights Education: The officials provided guidance on immigrants' rights, such as the right to remain silent during ICE encounters and to call local police for assistance without fear of deportation.
• Criminal Activities and Federal Law: The report highlighted that ICE arrests included individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. However, it also noted the conflicting claims regarding the legal status of many arrested who might not have prior convictions.
The actions by Columbus officials reflect a strong stance against federal immigration enforcement, aimed at supporting the undocumented immigrant community and maintaining local safety and trust. While they urge residents to stay informed and prepared, the tension between local officials and federal immigration objectives raises ongoing legal and community challenges. The potential legal consequences for these sanctuary policies could attract federal scrutiny in the future.
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