Key Takeaways
• About 375 detainees are held on immigration holds at Butler County Jail as of June 2025.
• Emerson Colindres, detained June 4, 2025, faces deportation despite no criminal record.
• Protests peaked June 17 with 50 people opposing Colindres’ imminent deportation.
Protests Grow Over Immigration Detentions in Greater Cincinnati: The Butler County Jail at the Center
Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
In June 2025, Greater Cincinnati has become the focus of growing protests over immigration detentions, especially at the Butler County Jail in Hamilton, Ohio. The latest wave of demonstrations began after the detention of Emerson Colindres, a 19-year-old recent Cincinnati high school graduate and soccer player, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine check-in on June 4, 2025. Protesters, advocacy groups, and family members have gathered outside the jail, demanding an end to what they see as unfair detentions and deportations. The Butler County Jail currently holds about 375 people on immigration holds, making it a major site for such detentions in the region.
The protests are fueled by concerns about the treatment of young immigrants, the cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, and the impact of these policies on families and communities. Officials say they are following the law, while community members argue that the system is unfair and targets vulnerable people.
Latest Developments: Emergency Protests and Arrests
The situation reached a boiling point on June 17, 2025, when an emergency protest was held outside the Butler County Jail. About 50 people gathered to oppose the imminent deportation of Emerson Colindres. Colindres, who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 since fleeing Honduras with his family in 2014, was detained by ICE during a scheduled check-in. His family’s asylum claim had been rejected in 2024, and he has had a final order of removal since 2023.
Earlier, on June 9 and 10, multiple protests took place at the jail. Demonstrators voiced anger over ICE arrests, especially those involving young people like Colindres. During one protest, a 26-year-old woman from West Milton was arrested for disorderly conduct and assault after an altercation with police. She was released a few hours later.
The Butler County Jail, under contract with the federal government, houses around 375 people on immigration holds as of June 2025. This makes it one of the largest local detention sites for immigrants in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Official Responses: Federal and Local Statements
Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for DHS, explained the government’s position: “As is the law if you are in the country illegally and a judge has ordered you to be removed, that is precisely what will happen.” She confirmed that Colindres is considered an “illegal alien” with a final order of removal since 2023 and is under ICE’s Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP). ISAP is a program that monitors people released from detention, often requiring electronic ankle monitors and regular check-ins.
Butler County Sheriff’s Office:
The Sheriff’s Office has stated it supports the right to protest but will enforce the law against anyone who breaks it. The office’s contract with the federal government to house undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation remains in place.
Community and Advocacy Groups:
Groups like the Cincinnati Socialists have been vocal in their opposition, demanding an end to ICE detentions in the area and calling on Sheriff Jones to stop cooperating with ICE. At a recent rally, Colindres’ mother, Ada Bell Baquedano-Amador, pleaded for her son’s release, saying, “All I ask is that you free my son. He doesn’t deserve to be in this place.” She explained that the family fled Honduras due to gang violence and that her son has no criminal record.
How the Detention and Deportation Process Works
To help readers understand what happens in these cases, here’s a step-by-step look at the process:
- ICE Check-In:
- People under ISAP must report to ICE at set times.
- During these check-ins, ICE can detain anyone with a final order of removal.
- Detention:
- Those detained are held at facilities like the Butler County Jail, which has a contract with the federal government.
- Legal Process:
- Everyone in immigration detention has the right to a hearing before an immigration judge and can appeal removal orders.
- The process can be confusing, especially for people without a lawyer.
- Protest and Advocacy:
- Community members and advocacy groups organize protests and rallies to oppose detentions and deportations.
- Law Enforcement Response:
- Local police monitor protests and may arrest people for breaking laws, such as disorderly conduct.
For more information on ICE’s detention and removal process, visit the official ICE website.
Key Numbers and Dates
- 375: Number of people held on immigration holds at Butler County Jail as of June 2025.
- 50: Estimated number of protesters at the June 17, 2025, demonstration.
- June 4, 2025: Emerson Colindres detained by ICE.
- June 9–10, 2025: Multiple protests outside Butler County Jail.
- June 17, 2025: Emergency protest against Colindres’ imminent deportation.
- No criminal record: Colindres and his family have no criminal history, according to public statements.
- Final order of removal: Issued for Colindres in 2023.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Who’s Involved and What They’re Saying
Federal Officials:
Tricia McLaughlin from DHS insists that the law must be followed and that due process is provided to all. She points out that ISAP is used to make sure people comply with release conditions.
Local Officials:
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office says it will protect the right to protest but will act against lawbreakers. The office continues to cooperate with ICE under its federal contract.
Community and Advocacy Groups:
The Cincinnati Socialists and other groups argue that the system is unfair and targets people who are trying to follow the rules. Protester Andrew Vasser said, “They’re being entrapped to be arrested, and we see this again and again, and it’s a lot of high school students who, they’re trying to do what their teachers say, what their coaches say, what their parents say, and in doing so, they’re being entrapped.”
Affected Families:
Colindres’ mother, Ada Bell Baquedano-Amador, says her family came to the United States 🇺🇸 to escape violence. She believes her son is being punished despite following all the rules set by ICE, including wearing an ankle monitor and attending regular check-ins.
Policy Implications and Community Impact
Immigration Enforcement:
Routine check-ins and electronic monitoring under ISAP are meant to make sure people follow court orders. However, many in the community feel these measures are used to trap people, especially young people with no criminal record.
Local Impact:
The detention of students and recent graduates has caused anger and sadness in Greater Cincinnati. Many see these actions as breaking up families and hurting the community.
Community Relations:
Protests have led to some arrests, raising questions about police actions and the right to protest. The Sheriff’s Office says it must keep order but also respects the right to peaceful assembly.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns:
While the law says everyone in detention has the right to a hearing, advocates argue that the system is hard to understand and unfair, especially for those without a lawyer. Family separation is a major worry, as deportations can split up parents and children.
Background: Why Butler County Jail?
The Butler County Jail has a long-standing contract with the federal government to hold people on immigration holds. The number of detainees changes over time but has recently been around 375. This makes it a key location for immigration enforcement in Greater Cincinnati.
Nationally, the Trump administration has increased deportation efforts, leading to more protests and community action across the United States 🇺🇸. In Greater Cincinnati, the detention of young people like Emerson Colindres has sparked a strong response from local groups.
Legal Rights and Due Process
Everyone detained by ICE has certain legal rights:
- Right to a Hearing: Detainees can have their case heard by an immigration judge.
- Right to Appeal: If ordered removed, they can appeal the decision.
- Right to Legal Representation: Detainees can hire a lawyer, but the government does not provide one for free.
However, the process is often confusing and hard to manage without legal help. Many people in detention do not have a lawyer, making it much harder to fight their case.
For more information on immigration court procedures, you can visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.
Community Action: What Can People Do?
People in Greater Cincinnati who want to help can:
- Join peaceful protests and rallies.
- Contact elected officials to share their views on immigration detentions.
- Support local advocacy groups, such as the Cincinnati Socialists or the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center.
- Help families affected by detention with legal, financial, or emotional support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are students being detained?
Students and recent graduates like Emerson Colindres are being detained during routine ICE check-ins if they have a final order of removal, even if they have no criminal record.
What rights do detainees have?
Detainees have the right to due process, including hearings and appeals. However, the system is complicated, and many do not have legal help.
What is ISAP?
The Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) is a program run by ICE to monitor people released from detention. It often requires electronic ankle monitors and regular check-ins.
What can the community do?
Community members can protest, contact officials, and support advocacy groups working on immigration issues.
Looking Ahead: Future Developments and Possible Changes
Continued Protests:
Advocacy groups plan to keep protesting and pushing for an end to ICE detentions at the Butler County Jail. They hope to pressure local officials to stop working with ICE.
Policy Changes:
No new federal or state policy changes are expected soon, but local advocacy could lead to changes in how the Butler County Jail handles immigration holds.
Legal Challenges:
There may be more legal challenges to detention and deportation practices, especially for people with strong community ties and no criminal record.
Contact Information and Resources
- Butler County Sheriff’s Office:
705 Hanover St, Hamilton, OH 45011
Phone: (513) 785-1000
Website: butlersheriff.org - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):
Phone: 1-866-347-2423
Website: ice.gov - Local Advocacy Groups:
Cincinnati Socialists
Immigrant and Refugee Law Center (find contact info through local directories or social media)
Analysis and Takeaways
The protests over immigration detentions in Greater Cincinnati, especially at the Butler County Jail, show the deep divisions and strong feelings around immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. While officials say they are following the law, many in the community believe the system is unfair and hurts families. The detention of young people like Emerson Colindres has become a rallying point for advocacy groups and has brought national attention to the region.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation in Greater Cincinnati reflects broader national trends, with increased enforcement leading to more protests and calls for change. The future will likely see continued activism, possible legal challenges, and ongoing debate about the role of local jails in federal immigration enforcement.
For those affected, knowing your rights and seeking legal help is important. Community support and advocacy can also make a difference, both for individuals and for the policies that shape immigration enforcement in Greater Cincinnati and beyond.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, agency enforcing immigration laws and detaining individuals.
ISAP → Intensive Supervision Appearance Program; monitors released detainees with ankle monitors and check-ins.
Final Order of Removal → A legal decision ordering an individual’s deportation from the United States.
Detention → Holding individuals in custody, typically in jail, pending immigration case resolution.
Due Process → Legal right to a fair hearing and appeal before deportation decisions are enforced.
This Article in a Nutshell
Protests surged in Greater Cincinnati over ICE detentions at Butler County Jail after Emerson Colindres’ arrest. Community groups demand justice while officials uphold laws amid rising tensions over immigration enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com
