(CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO) Clermont County sheriff’s deputies are poised to begin making immigration arrests under a new agreement with federal authorities as soon as late 2025, making the county the second in southwest Ohio to adopt this model. The plan authorizes deputies—after deputy training—to arrest and transport people wanted on immigration charges while working under ICE supervision.
County officials say the jail is preparing to hold federal immigration detainees, and records show that by June 2025, fifteen people with ICE detainers who faced local charges were arrested, held in the county jail, and then transferred to ICE custody. The sheriff’s office has directed questions to its main line at (513) 732-7500.
What the agreement allows locally
Under the agreement, deputies will not act as independent immigration agents. Their scope is narrowly defined:
- They can arrest and transport individuals with outstanding immigration charges, but only while working with and under the direction of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Deputies will receive specialized training before participating.
- The county jail will coordinate with federal officials to hold detainees for short periods before transfer.
Officials have not confirmed whether Clermont County’s arrangement will follow the structure of ICE’s 287(g) program, which empowers local officers in specific, supervised roles. The county’s description aligns with common features of 287(g) models—such as targeted authority, federal oversight, and focused deputy training—but the formal program name has not been confirmed.
Readers can review how 287(g) partnerships typically function via the official ICE page: https://www.ice.gov/identifyandremove/287g.
Training, jail coordination, and ICE detainers
The sheriff’s plan centers on deputy training and tight coordination with federal authorities. In practice, that means:
- Deputy training: Deputies will complete federal-approved instruction before joining immigration-related activities.
- Scope of authority: Deputies may arrest and transport individuals on immigration charges only with ICE supervision.
- Jail preparation: The county jail is preparing to accept federal detainees and stage transfers to ICE.
County records indicate recent activity consistent with this approach: as of June 2025, fifteen people subject to ICE detainers—who also faced local charges—were arrested, held in the county jail, and then transferred to federal custody.
ICE typically places detainers using Form I-247A (Immigration Detainer – Request for Voluntary Action). This form signals that a person held on state or local charges may be subject to immigration action. The official detainer form is here: Form I-247A (Immigration Detainer – Request for Voluntary Action).
For local families, the detainer process can feel sudden and confusing. A person might bond out on a local case but still be held because ICE requests more time to assume custody. That extra hold can disrupt work, caretaking, and court schedules.
Analysis by VisaVerge.com suggests counties that expand cooperation with ICE often report more frequent handoffs of local arrestees to federal custody—especially in jails that are set up to flag detainers quickly.
Community perspectives and concerns
Supporters argue the cooperation improves public safety by allowing faster transfers of people who face both local and immigration charges. They also emphasize that ICE supervision keeps the process within federal rules.
Critics warn local involvement can discourage immigrants—both with and without legal status—from:
- Reporting crimes
- Serving as witnesses
- Seeking help from authorities
Community advocates say this chilling effect can spread widely, particularly in mixed-status households.
What training and limits typically include
The county has not released the detailed training plan, but past 287(g)-style programs commonly include:
- Classroom instruction on immigration law basics
- Guidance on civil vs. criminal enforcement
- Procedures for custody transfers under federal oversight
Supervisors in similar programs usually stress limits: deputies may not conduct broad immigration checks on the street or in homes. Instead, they focus on people already in contact with the criminal justice system—often at jail intake—with ICE supervision guiding each step.
Practical impacts for families
If Clermont County’s jail begins to hold more immigration detainees, families should prepare for several issues:
- Bond in a local case does not always lead to release if an ICE detainer is active.
- Transfer timing can be unpredictable; individuals may move from the county jail to an ICE facility on short notice.
- Legal needs may involve both criminal defense and immigration counsel.
Common recommendations from attorneys include:
- Carry phone numbers for both a criminal defense attorney and an immigration attorney.
- Establish a family emergency plan.
- Keep copies of key documents and proof of U.S. ties in a safe place.
- Prepare contact information for potential sponsors.
If someone believes a detainer was placed in error, attorneys can review the jail file and the Form I-247A (Immigration Detainer – Request for Voluntary Action) to assess next steps.
Transparency, oversight, and open questions
Because the specific agreement type is not yet confirmed, it is important to follow official updates. If the county adopts a 287(g)-style framework, the agreement would normally specify:
- Which officers are trained and supervised by ICE
- Where and how records are kept and reviewed
- What complaint systems exist for the public
- How ICE supervision is documented during arrests and transfers
Other Ohio counties that implemented similar steps often reported early shifts in jail operations, such as:
- Dedicating staff to coordinate with ICE
- Adjusting transport schedules
- Implementing fuller detainer-flagging processes
Clermont County officials say the jail is already preparing to house detainees, suggesting transfer logistics and holding procedures are being integrated into daily routines.
Next steps and where to get information
As late 2025 approaches, key operational questions remain:
- How many deputies will complete deputy training?
- How often will the jail hold immigration detainees?
- How will ICE supervision be documented case by case?
County leaders say the structure aims to keep local efforts within federal bounds, while community groups push for transparency about data, complaints, and impacts on victims and witnesses.
Residents seeking official information on program frameworks and officer roles can refer to the ICE 287(g) overview: 287(g) program, and contact the sheriff’s office at (513) 732-7500 for county-specific updates.
For additional context, VisaVerge.com reports that counties adopting these models often see rapid changes in booking and transfer practices, with effects felt across homes, schools, and workplaces.
This Article in a Nutshell
Clermont County plans to allow sheriff’s deputies to carry out immigration arrests and transfers under ICE supervision, potentially beginning in late 2025. Deputies will undergo specialized training and will be authorized only to arrest and transport individuals with outstanding immigration charges while operating under federal direction. The county jail is preparing to hold federal detainees temporarily; records indicate that by June 2025 fifteen people with ICE detainers were arrested on local charges, held in the county facility, and then transferred to ICE. Officials stress federal oversight, while community advocates warn the policy could discourage immigrants from reporting crimes or seeking help. Key questions remain about the program’s exact structure, training details, documentation of ICE supervision, and transparency measures. Residents are advised to follow updates and contact the sheriff’s office for county-specific information.
