Cincinnati Councilman Calls for Limiting Immigration Data Collection

Ryan James wants to protect immigrant and refugee residents from ICE surveillance by restricting the city's collection of personal information.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Cincinnati City Council Member Ryan James has submitted a motion to protect immigrant and refugee residents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) surveillance by ensuring the city does not collect or hold personal information that could be used against them. The motion seeks to limit the city's collection of personal data that could aid in ICE operations targeting residents based on immigration status.

Why it matters

This motion is part of an ongoing debate over sanctuary city policies and the role of local governments in federal immigration enforcement. It highlights concerns about immigrant communities being targeted and the potential misuse of personal data collected by local authorities.

The details

James' motion proposes that as a 'welcoming city,' Cincinnati has a responsibility to 'ensure the safety of our residents and mitigate threats of violence' related to ICE operations. The motion seeks to 'protect residents who could be targeted due to their immigration status by limiting the collection of personal information by the City of Cincinnati that could aid in Immigration and Customs Enforcement surveillance.'

  • In 2017, Cincinnati City Council passed a symbolic sanctuary city resolution.
  • In May 2025, Cincinnati was named on a Department of Homeland Security list of more than 500 'sanctuary jurisdictions.'
  • By August 2025, the Department of Justice removed Cincinnati from its list of jurisdictions considered to be hindering federal immigration enforcement.

The players

Ryan James

A Cincinnati City Council Member who submitted the motion to limit the city's collection of personal information that could aid in ICE surveillance of immigrant and refugee residents.

Seth Walsh

A Cincinnati City Council Member who co-introduced the motion with Ryan James.

Meeka Owens

A Cincinnati City Council Member who co-introduced the motion with Ryan James.

Scotty Johnson

A Cincinnati City Council Member who co-introduced the motion with Ryan James.

Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney

The Vice-Mayor of Cincinnati who co-introduced the motion with Ryan James.

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What they’re saying

“This motion was really about meeting the moment and listening to the needs of our community, who are facing increased violence.”

— Ryan James, Cincinnati City Council Member (FOX19 NOW)

What’s next

The motion is on the agenda to be considered at Wednesday's Cincinnati City Council meeting.

The takeaway

This motion reflects ongoing tensions between local governments and federal immigration authorities, as cities like Cincinnati seek to balance protecting immigrant communities while navigating complex legal and political dynamics around sanctuary policies.