Lakewood City Council Opposes State Bills Empowering ICE

Resolution 2026-04 unanimously passed to fight unconstitutional legislation

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Lakewood City Council President Sarah Kepple introduced Resolution 2026-04, which was unanimously passed, to oppose multiple Ohio state bills that seek to give unchecked authority to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bills, if passed, would violate the U.S. Constitution and Ohio's Home Rule provisions by forcing local governments to cooperate with ICE or face funding cuts.

Why it matters

These proposed state bills would undermine the sense of community in Lakewood by creating an environment of fear, surveillance, and potential violence through ICE's tactics. They would also force local governments to divert resources to assist federal immigration enforcement, despite constitutional protections.

The details

The bills under consideration include OH Senate Bill 172, which would require state and local officials to allow the arrest or detention of anyone suspected of being undocumented, and punish non-compliant local governments by withholding state funds. Other bills, such as OH House Bills 42, 281, 544, 26, and 200, would mandate data collection on immigration status, allow ICE agents in hospitals, criminalize bystanders who assist immigrants, and force local police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

  • On Tuesday, Lakewood City Council unanimously passed Resolution 2026-04.
  • OH Senate Bill 172 has already passed the state Senate.

The players

Sarah Kepple

Lakewood City Council President who introduced Resolution 2026-04 to oppose the state bills.

Lakewood City Council

Unanimously passed Resolution 2026-04 to fight the proposed legislation that would empower ICE.

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What they’re saying

“These bills, described below, contain clear violations of the United States Constitution, specifically, the Fourth Amendment prohibiting unreasonable searches and seizures and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. They also violate the Home Rule provisions of the Ohio Constitution.”

— Sarah Kepple, Lakewood City Council President (lakewoodobserver.com)

What’s next

Lakewood residents are encouraged to reach out to the chairs of the Ohio House committees where these bills have been referred and urge them to oppose the advancement of the bills out of committee.

The takeaway

Lakewood City Council is taking a strong stance against proposed state legislation that would force local governments to assist federal immigration enforcement, despite constitutional protections. This highlights the ongoing tension between state and local control over issues that impact community safety and civil liberties.