Activists Push for Rule Change After 20 ICE Arrests at Franklin County Municipal Court in 2025

Nearly 10,000 people have sent letters to the municipal court judges, calling for a change in the policy that allows ICE agents to make arrests inside the courthouse.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Activists are pushing Franklin County Municipal Court judges to change their long-standing rules that allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to make arrests inside the courthouse. According to the municipal court, ICE detained 20 people at the courthouse in 2025 and one person in 2026. The Franklin County Common Pleas Court, located next door, does not allow ICE agents to make arrests inside the courthouse.

Why it matters

The presence of ICE agents at the municipal courthouse is causing fear among immigrants, including those who have been victims of crimes, discouraging them from reporting crimes or appearing in court to identify offenders. This undermines the integrity of the justice system and discourages participation.

The details

Nearly 10,000 people have sent letters to the municipal court judges, calling for a change in the policy that allows ICE agents to make arrests inside the courthouse. The judges released a joint statement saying the court is 'continuing to review its internal procedures' and is committed to conducting a thorough analysis to ensure full compliance with applicable legal standards. Immigration attorney David Dawson said many of his clients are afraid of potential ICE presence at the courthouse, and that the fear is impacting more than those who are charged with crimes, as victims of crimes are hesitant to report crimes or appear in court.

  • In 2025, ICE detained 20 people at the Franklin County Municipal Courthouse.
  • In 2026, ICE detained one person at the Franklin County Municipal Courthouse.

The players

Franklin County Municipal Court

The municipal court that allows ICE agents to make arrests inside the courthouse.

Franklin County Common Pleas Court

The court located next door that does not allow ICE agents to make arrests inside the courthouse.

Common Cause Ohio

The organization that has collected nearly 10,000 letters from people calling for a change in the municipal court's policy.

David Dawson

An immigration attorney at Simakovsky Law who goes to the municipal court weekly with his clients and says many of them are afraid of potential ICE presence.

Rep. Latyna Humphrey

A state representative who is monitoring the municipal court judges' decision and has shared a statement on the issue.

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What they’re saying

“Courthouses should be places where people feel safe to show up, tell the truth, and resolve their legal matters without fear. When individuals are afraid that attending a court hearing could lead to an unexpected civil immigration arrest, it undermines the integrity of our justice system and discourages participation — including from victims and witnesses.”

— Rep. Latyna Humphrey (10tv.com)

“It is very rare a client doesn't bring it up on their own and ask, 'What are the risks for me, specifically? How is it going to impact me on the immigration side of things? Is there a way to resolve my case without me being at the courthouse,' which is a real shame because, depending on the type of case, it can really delay their case or not provide the outcome they hope if they are not able to appear in person.”

— David Dawson, Immigration Attorney, Simakovsky Law (10tv.com)

What’s next

The judges of the Franklin County Municipal Court have stated they are continuing to review their internal procedures and are committed to conducting a thorough analysis to ensure full compliance with applicable legal standards.

The takeaway

The presence of ICE agents at the Franklin County Municipal Courthouse is creating a climate of fear among immigrants, including victims of crimes, and discouraging them from participating in the justice system. This undermines the integrity of the courts and highlights the need for policy changes to ensure courthouses are safe and accessible to all.