Columbus Council Votes on Legislation Limiting Police Cooperation with ICE

The proposed ordinances spark a response from the Fraternal Order of Police

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Columbus City Council will vote on several pieces of legislation aimed at limiting the city's cooperation with federal immigration authorities, including prohibiting police from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE and barring city employees from working second jobs with ICE or U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The legislation has prompted a response from the local Fraternal Order of Police, who argue that police must assist federal partners when there is evidence of criminal activity or a valid warrant.

Why it matters

This legislation reflects an ongoing debate over the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement, with some cities seeking to limit cooperation to build trust with immigrant communities, while law enforcement argues they have a duty to assist federal partners in certain circumstances. The outcome could impact how Columbus police interact with federal immigration authorities going forward.

The details

The proposed ordinances would prohibit the Columbus Division of Police from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE, which allow local officers to enforce federal immigration law, as well as bar city employees from holding second jobs with ICE or U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Another ordinance would increase penalties for harassing employees of schools and daycares, which is aimed at recent trespassing attempts at local Somali-American-run daycare centers. A non-binding resolution also urges federal officials operating in Columbus to display badges, avoid obscuring their identities, and meet training requirements comparable to Ohio police officers.

  • The Columbus City Council will vote on the legislation on February 23, 2026.
  • The legislation was introduced by Councilmembers Lourdes Barroso de Padilla and Rob Dorans at a hearing last week.

The players

Lourdes Barroso de Padilla

A Columbus City Councilmember who introduced the legislation aimed at limiting the city's cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Rob Dorans

The Columbus City Council President Pro Tempore who co-introduced the legislation with Councilmember Barroso de Padilla.

Brian Steel

The president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 and a member of the Columbus Division of Police, who has criticized the proposed ordinances.

Andrew Ginther

The Mayor of Columbus who in 2017 issued an executive order barring city resources from being used for immigration enforcement in most circumstances.

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What they’re saying

“I believe deeply that local government has a responsibility to ensure that every person in our community feels safe, respected and protected under the law. We cannot ignore federal law or federal policy, but we can decide how our city interacts with it.”

— Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Columbus City Councilmember (dispatch.com)

“Municipal officers do not enforce federal civil immigration law. However, we have an absolute duty to assist our federal law enforcement partners when there is evidence of a criminal offense, a valid judicial warrant, or when any officer — local, state, or federal — is in danger of serious bodily harm.”

— Brian Steel, President, Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The Columbus City Council is expected to vote on the proposed legislation on February 23, 2026.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects the ongoing debate over the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement, with some cities seeking to limit cooperation to build trust with immigrant communities, while law enforcement argues they have a duty to assist federal partners in certain circumstances. The outcome of the Columbus City Council vote could impact how police in the city interact with federal immigration authorities going forward.