Columbus Leaders Demand Accountability for ICE Enforcement

Mayor Ginther and Congresswoman Beatty call for reforms after ICE shooting deaths in Minnesota

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:31am

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As Ohio braces for a potential surge in immigration enforcement targeting the state's Haitian population, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty are calling for greater accountability and oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Following the fatal shootings of two individuals by ICE agents in Minnesota, Ginther and Beatty say ICE agents must be held to the same standards as local police, including de-escalation training and body cameras.

Why it matters

The roundtable discussion on 'Unaccountable ICE Enforcement Activity' highlights growing tensions between local leaders and federal immigration authorities, as well as concerns that aggressive ICE actions could undermine community trust in law enforcement more broadly. With thousands of Haitian immigrants living in Ohio, there are fears that heavy-handed tactics by ICE could sow fear and disrupt communities.

The details

Ginther and Beatty gave brief remarks to the media before a closed-door roundtable that included Columbus police, city council members, faith leaders and community members. They said ICE agents should be held to the same standards as local police, with de-escalation training and body cameras. The roundtable came days after Ohio's governor warned that the state is bracing for a potential surge in immigration enforcement, as up to 15,000 Haitians living in the state could lose their temporary protected status on February 3rd.

  • On Feb. 3, more than 500,000 Haitians nationwide may lose temporary protected status.
  • From Dec. 18-21, the Department of Homeland Security said more than 280 immigrants were arrested in Ohio in an enforcement surge dubbed 'Operation Buckeye'.

The players

Andrew Ginther

The mayor of Columbus, Ohio, who is calling for greater accountability and oversight of ICE enforcement activities in the city.

Joyce Beatty

A U.S. Representative for Ohio's 3rd congressional district, who has called on ICE to release details on immigrants in custody and address concerns about racial profiling.

Elaine Bryant

The police chief of Columbus, Ohio, who participated in the roundtable discussion on 'Unaccountable ICE Enforcement Activity'.

Mike DeWine

The governor of Ohio, who has warned that the state is bracing for a potential surge in immigration enforcement targeting the Haitian population.

Renee Good and Alex Pretti

Two individuals who were shot and killed by ICE agents in Minnesota, which has prompted calls for greater accountability.

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What they’re saying

“If you're going to wear a jacket that says police officer, then you ought to be like our great police officers in this community. You ought to have de-escalation training. You ought to have a body camera.”

— Joyce Beatty, U.S. Representative (dispatch.com)

“We're going to continue to work to make sure everybody in the community is safe. So we're going to communicate with members of the Haitian communities and other new American communities around their rights, and making sure we're doing everything we can to educate folks, to make a plan, to keep themselves safe.”

— Andrew Ginther, Mayor of Columbus (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.