Key Takeaways
• Ohio immigration arrests tripled in 2025, driven by new 287(g) local law enforcement agreements with ICE.
• Greater Cincinnati’s three sheriffs’ departments signed 287(g) agreements, increasing local authority in federal immigration enforcement.
• 287(g)’s Task Force Model raises concerns of racial profiling and disrupts immigrant communities’ lives and economy.
Federal immigration enforcement in Greater Cincinnati has surged in 2025, with local law enforcement now playing a much bigger role. Immigration arrests have tripled across Ohio, and new 287(g) agreements have changed how local officers work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These changes are causing fear and confusion for many immigrants, while also raising questions about the future of the region’s growth and community trust.
Federal Immigration Enforcement Rises Sharply in Greater Cincinnati
In the first half of 2025, Greater Cincinnati and the surrounding Ohio region have seen a dramatic increase in federal immigration enforcement. According to the latest data, immigration arrests in Ohio have tripled compared to previous years. This sharp rise is directly linked to new cooperation agreements between local sheriff’s departments and ICE, as well as a broader push from federal authorities to step up enforcement.
In May 2025, three Ohio sheriff’s departments—including those in counties that are part of or close to Greater Cincinnati—signed new 287(g) agreements with ICE. These agreements give local officers the power to enforce federal immigration law. Officers can now identify, detain, and start removal proceedings against undocumented immigrants. As a result, four jails in Ohio now serve as ICE holding centers, up from just two in 2024.
How 287(g) Agreements Work and Why They Matter
The 287(g) program is at the heart of these changes. Under this program, ICE can train and authorize local law enforcement officers to act as immigration agents. There are three main models in use:
- Jail Enforcement Model: Local officers check the immigration status of people already in jail. If someone is undocumented, officers can start the process to remove them from the United States 🇺🇸 after their release.
- Task Force Model: Officers can check immigration status during routine police work, such as traffic stops. If they suspect someone is undocumented, they can detain them and share information with ICE.
- Warrant Service Officer Program: ICE trains local officers to serve administrative warrants on people in custody who may be in the country without permission.
The Task Force Model is especially controversial. It allows officers to arrest people on suspicion of immigration violations during everyday police work. Civil rights groups warn that this can lead to racial profiling—when people are targeted because of their appearance or language rather than any real evidence of a crime.
Official Statements and Stakeholder Views
ICE leaders say these partnerships help them do their job more effectively. Madison D. Sheahan, Deputy Director of ICE, explained that the agency’s “force multiplier” strategy is now being used across the country, including in Ohio. This means ICE relies on local law enforcement to help identify and detain undocumented immigrants, making their efforts go further.
But not everyone agrees with this approach. Margaret Wong, a well-known immigration attorney in Cleveland, has spoken out about the risks. She and other advocates worry that expanded 287(g) authority could lead to racial profiling and violations of people’s constitutional rights. “We’re seeing more families separated and more people afraid to go about their daily lives,” Wong said.
Local governments in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus have said they will not use city resources for federal immigration enforcement. However, county sheriffs and jail authorities are moving ahead with ICE partnerships, creating a patchwork of policies across the region.
Impact on Immigrant Communities in Greater Cincinnati
For many immigrants in Greater Cincinnati, these changes mean a higher risk of detention and deportation. Even minor interactions with police—such as a traffic stop or a call for help—can now lead to questions about immigration status. If someone is arrested and booked into a participating county jail, officers trained under 287(g) will screen for immigration status. If they believe someone is removable, ICE is notified and may issue a detainer or administrative warrant.
The Task Force Model goes even further. People can be detained during routine police encounters and held for ICE processing. This has led to a climate of fear in many neighborhoods. Immigrants are less likely to report crimes, seek medical help, or use public services. Families worry about being separated, and workplaces face disruptions when employees are suddenly detained.
Immigration attorneys in Greater Cincinnati report a surge in emergency calls and new cases. Many involve family separations, workplace raids, or people facing removal with little warning. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the legal process for those detained under 287(g) agreements can be fast and confusing. People may face expedited removal proceedings, often with limited access to legal counsel or due process protections.
Economic and Demographic Stakes for Greater Cincinnati
The timing of this enforcement surge is especially important for Greater Cincinnati. In 2024, the region gained 16,571 new residents through international immigration. This accounted for 82% of all population growth in the area. Local business and civic leaders worry that aggressive enforcement could hurt the region’s economy, which depends on new arrivals for both labor and innovation.
Ohio’s population growth since 2020 has been driven almost entirely by international immigration. Without these newcomers, the region would likely face population decline, fewer workers, and less economic activity. Some business owners fear that stepped-up enforcement will make it harder to fill jobs, especially in industries that rely on immigrant labor.
Legal and Civil Rights Concerns
Civil rights organizations are closely watching the expansion of 287(g) agreements. Many have started legal challenges, arguing that the program can lead to constitutional violations. They point to cases where people have been detained without proper evidence or denied access to legal help.
The Task Force Model, in particular, has drawn criticism. By allowing officers to question people about their immigration status during routine stops, it raises the risk of racial profiling. This means people could be targeted because of how they look or speak, rather than any real reason to suspect a crime.
Local governments in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus have tried to limit their involvement in federal immigration enforcement. However, county sheriffs and jail authorities have more independence and are moving forward with ICE partnerships. This creates confusion for immigrants, who may not know what to expect from law enforcement in different parts of the region.
Procedures for Those Detained Under 287(g) Agreements
When someone is arrested and booked into a county jail that participates in the 287(g) program, the process usually works like this:
- Screening: Officers trained by ICE check the person’s immigration status.
- Notification: If the person is believed to be removable, ICE is notified.
- Detainer or Warrant: ICE may issue a detainer (a request to hold the person for up to 48 hours) or an administrative warrant.
- Transfer to ICE: The person may be transferred to ICE custody for removal proceedings.
Under the Task Force Model, this process can start even before someone is booked into jail. Officers can detain people during traffic stops or other encounters and hold them for ICE.
Monthly enforcement data is published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE. The latest figures, as of June 2025, show a marked increase in arrests and detentions across Ohio.
Background: The 287(g) Program and Its Expansion
The 287(g) program is not new. It was created years ago, but its use has grown quickly since early 2025. The current administration has made it a priority to deport 1 million undocumented immigrants this year. As part of this push, more local law enforcement agencies are signing 287(g) agreements and working closely with ICE.
This expansion is happening even as Ohio’s population growth depends on international immigration. Greater Cincinnati, in particular, has seen most of its new residents come from outside the United States 🇺🇸. This makes the stakes of current enforcement trends especially high for the region’s future.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Greater Cincinnati and Ohio?
More counties in Ohio are reportedly in talks with ICE about signing new 287(g) agreements. If this trend continues, even more local law enforcement agencies could gain the power to enforce federal immigration law. This would likely lead to further increases in arrests and detentions.
At the same time, legal challenges and advocacy efforts are underway. Civil rights groups are contesting the expansion of 287(g) authority and alleged due process violations. The outcome of these cases could shape how local-federal enforcement partnerships work in the future.
Federal policy could also change, depending on political developments and court rulings. For now, however, the trend is toward more enforcement and closer cooperation between local and federal authorities.
What Immigrants and Their Families Should Know
If you or someone you know is affected by these changes, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Here are some practical steps:
- Know Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer if you are detained. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
- Seek Legal Help: Contact a qualified immigration attorney or a local legal aid organization. They can help you understand your situation and what steps to take.
- Stay Informed: Check official sources, such as the ICE official website, for updates on enforcement actions and details about the 287(g) program.
- Community Support: Reach out to local immigrant advocacy groups for support and resources. Many offer “know your rights” workshops and emergency hotlines.
Implications for the Greater Cincinnati Community
The rise in federal immigration enforcement is changing life for many people in Greater Cincinnati. Immigrant families face new risks and uncertainty, while local businesses worry about losing workers and customers. Civic leaders are concerned about the region’s ability to grow and thrive if newcomers feel unwelcome or unsafe.
At the same time, these changes have sparked new conversations about the role of local law enforcement, the importance of due process, and the value of diversity in the community. As the debate continues, the choices made by local officials, courts, and residents will shape the future of Greater Cincinnati and Ohio as a whole.
Summary of Key Points
- Immigration arrests in Ohio, including Greater Cincinnati, have tripled in 2025.
- New 287(g) agreements give local law enforcement the power to act as federal immigration agents.
- Immigrant communities face higher risks and more anxiety, with serious legal and social consequences.
- Population growth in the region depends almost entirely on international immigration.
- Legal and political battles are underway and could change how enforcement works in the future.
For the most current information, visit the ICE official website and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Homeland Security Statistics. If you are affected by these developments, seek legal counsel and support from local organizations.
The coming months will be critical for Greater Cincinnati as the region balances enforcement, economic needs, and the well-being of its diverse communities.
Learn Today
287(g) Agreements → Legal contracts allowing local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws alongside ICE.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency enforcing immigration laws.
Task Force Model → 287(g) approach where officers check immigration status during routine police activities, enabling detentions.
Detainer → A request by ICE for local authorities to hold a detainee for up to 48 hours.
Removal Proceedings → Legal process to deport or remove an undocumented immigrant from the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
Federal immigration enforcement in Greater Cincinnati surged in 2025 with new 287(g) agreements empowering local law enforcement. Arrests tripled, sparking fear among immigrants. Economic growth risks arise as communities face disruptions. Legal battles ensue over constitutional rights and enforcement practices, highlighting the region’s complex immigration challenges and uncertain future.
— By VisaVerge.com
