House Democrats Held Press Conference Outlining Legislation to Protect Communities, Ensure Accountability Amid ICE Activity

COLUMBUS — The Ohio House Democratic Caucus today held a press conference discussing a legislative package of eight bills and resolutions aimed at protecting Ohio families, safeguarding due process, and ensuring accountability related to recent federal immigration enforcement activity impacting communities across the state. 

“We are all less safe because of what is happening in Minneapolis, here in Ohio, and across the country. We are all less free when the government tramples the rights of citizens and lies about it. And we are all less secure when there are no consequences. “We cannot tolerate a federal enforcement strategy that treats communities like battlefields and people like expendable statistics,” said House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati). “Ohioans need elected officials who work to make their lives more affordable, ensuring they will have access to healthcare when they are sick, food when they are hungry, and heat when it gets cold. We have to enforce our laws without resorting to lawlessness from ICE officers. We need order restored to our communities. Americans deserve to live free from the fear of government violence.”

“Whether this nation will continue repeating what it has already lived through, or whether it will finally choose something higher. Black communities have survived generations shaped by displacement, uncertainty, and state-sanctioned harm. And yet, we are still here because we learned how to endure. But endurance was never meant to be the end of the story,” said OLBC Treasurer Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus). “That is why the Ohio House Democratic Caucus and the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus stand ready to walk alongside our Haitian brothers and sisters and their families, because our history demands it. We know that freedom fragmented is ultimately freedom denied. We are committed to building an Ohio where no family’s future is governed by fear, and no one’s humanity is ever treated as temporary.”

The package includes the Community and Police Protection Act, sponsored by Reps. Karen Brownlee (D-Symmes Twp) and Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati), which would prohibit federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings (with certain exceptions) and require them to clearly display badge and identification.

“This administration has made a troubling move “away from democratic controls,” where officers are visible and accountable to the communities they serve, and toward militarization that serves to instill fear and stifle dissent…Ethical, legal policing is something Ohio law enforcement officers are proud of - not something they need to hide their face from,” said Rep. Brownlee.

Legislation from Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) would bar state entities from collecting, recording, or sharing an individual’s information or personal data, including citizenship or immigration status, unless otherwise required by law, strengthening privacy protections for Ohio residents.

“Ohio has a compelling interest, and a moral obligation, in protecting privacy and personal information,” said Rep. Russo. “Personal information or data shall not be disclosed without the informed consent of the individual; a warrant, court order, or subpoena signed by an Ohio or federal judge; or unless otherwise required by federal or state law.”

A bill from Reps. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) and Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) would prevent agencies, officials, and data brokers from selling or distributing sensitive personal data unless it is used for a legally defined permitted purpose.

“These companies are turning a profit by selling their collected data on Ohioans. That practice has to stop. This is how Americans lose their basic rights in exchange for billionaire profit margins,” said Rep. Cockley.

Reps. Ismail Mohamed (D-Columbus) and Eric Synenberg (D-Beachwood) introduced legislation restricting immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, places of worship, and organizations serving children, crime victims, and individuals with disabilities.

 “Under the Trump administration, we have seen these types of locations being used for brutal immigration enforcement at the hands of unmarked, unidentified officers. What are often places of solace and important for community safety and reflection can easily be turned into places where people can no longer practice their religion, seek healthcare services, or obtain needed services for their children,” said Rep. Mohamed. “We will not tolerate that fear running amidst our communities, and especially in some of the most sacred and important locations for community wellbeing.”

To ensure accountability, Reps. Mark Sigrist (D-Grove City) and Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D- Gahanna) are advancing a resolution reaffirming local law enforcement can investigate crimes that occur in their jurisdiction and that the Ohio Attorney General and Department of Public Safety have access to evidence and investigative materials needed to independently examine law enforcement misconduct.

“Ohio has a right to investigate offenses that occur in the state. Our public trust in the criminal justice system depends on a belief that investigations are fair and impartial.  We cannot have a system where the investigators are investigating their own conduct without any transparency.,” said Rep. Sigrist.

Reps. Ashley Bryant Bailey (D-Cincinnati) and Veronica Sims (D-Akron) are sponsoring legislation establishing minimum standards for immigration detention facilities, including adequate meals, medical care, and weather-appropriate clothing. In addition, the bill re-affirms the rights of detainees to a reasonable wage for all labor a detainee renders, and reasonable access to communicate with family, friends, and the detainees legal representative. 

“While we are frustrated to be standing before you demanding that these basic needs be met for all detainees, we are steadfast in ensuring that they are met. All detainees, and all who come into contact with any penal or detention facility in Ohio, deserve to be treated humanely and civilly,” said Rep. Bryant Bailey.

A proposal from Reps. Erika White (D-Springfield Township) and Anita Somani (D-Dublin) would require the Governor’s approval before National Guard troops could be federalized and  be stationed in Ohio, reinforcing state authority in deployment decisions.

“This bill reaffirms the Governor’s right to decline a President’s request to deploy the National Guard in Ohio under Title 32, for law enforcement purposes. It is up to us to protect the State’s powers and ensure that activation of the National Guard is lawful,” said Rep. White.

Additionally, a resolution from Rep. Humphrey reaffirms lawmakers’ authority to enter and conduct oversight visits at detention facilities at any time, ensuring oversight, accountability and good governance.

“As elected officials, this is our moral and ethical obligation to ensure that our detention facilities are humane and that the people inside them–from the detainees to the staff– are being treated with dignity and respect. If there is nothing wrong going on inside, then there should be no fear to show us that,” said Rep. Humphrey.

House Democrats continue to put forward legislation that supports community safety, upholds civil rights, and provides clarity and stability for local residents, schools, and law enforcement partners.

You can view the press conference here. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: A one-pager detailing the legislative package and a picture are attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.