Residents of Butler County, Ohio, are mobilizing to call for the termination of the county’s contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This demand follows the recent shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, which has heightened concerns over detainee treatment and safety. A protest and vigil held on Tuesday outside the commissioners’ meeting in downtown Hamilton drew significant community support, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
The demonstration was organized by local advocacy group Butler County Immigrant Justice and marked the 25th consecutive week of protests at public meetings. Participants expressed their frustrations with the current ICE contract, claiming it endangers both detainees and the wider community. One resident stated, “It’s not a question of if killings occur in our Butler County, but when they occur during these ICE actions and tactics,” emphasizing the need for action.
During the public comment section of the meeting, which extended for over an hour, numerous speakers urged the county commissioners to reconsider their relationship with ICE. Many cited the tragic incident involving Good as a catalyst for their demands. The atmosphere was charged, with community members passionately arguing against the sheriff’s office’s ongoing collaboration with federal authorities.
In response to the protests, Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones defended the ICE contracts, asserting that they are vital for maintaining public safety. “I’ve done this with five presidents, and I’ve done it through a whole load of commissioners and judges, and guess what… the old sheriff is still here,” Jones remarked in an interview with FOX19. His remarks suggest a staunch commitment to the current policies, despite community outcry.
County Commissioner Cindy Carpenter acknowledged the public’s concerns but indicated that the board lacks the authority to dictate the operations of independently elected officials, including the sheriff. This statement appears to distance the board from decisions regarding the treatment of detainees under ICE’s jurisdiction.
The ongoing discourse surrounding the ICE contract is further complicated by reports of conditions at the Butler County Jail. Following an inspection in July 2025, allegations emerged regarding overcrowding, inadequate heating, and the use of punitive meals. Sheriff Jones dismissed these claims as baseless, referring to the Democratic state lawmakers who raised the issue as “the three stooges,” a remark that has drawn criticism.
As tensions continue to rise, the protests serve as a clear indication of the community’s desire for change. Advocates for reform assert that their voices can impact policy decisions. “Yes, (the Sheriff) has power, but our voices do, too,” one protestor remarked, reflecting the sentiment of many participants.
The Butler County Immigrant Justice organization plans to maintain its presence at future commissioners’ meetings, emphasizing their commitment to advocating for the termination of the ICE contract. The ongoing dialogue between residents and local officials underscores the broader conversation surrounding immigration enforcement and community safety, with residents demanding accountability and transparency in the treatment of detainees.
