Medina County Commissioners Table ICE Cooperation Resolution

Heated public debate leads to postponement of measure limiting law enforcement's ability to work with immigration authorities

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Medina County commissioners tabled a resolution that would limit law enforcement cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a tense public meeting where residents voiced strong opinions on both sides of the issue. The proposed resolution would have allowed law enforcement to work with ICE only when criminal activity exists or a judicial warrant is issued.

Why it matters

The debate over immigration enforcement cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies like ICE has become a divisive political issue in many communities. The Medina County resolution mirrors similar measures already passed in other Ohio cities, reflecting the broader tensions around immigration policy and the role of local governments.

The details

Multiple speakers opposed ICE enforcement during the public comment period, with one resident saying 'these brown-skinned people are our neighbors and our friends and they are our hardworking community supporters.' However, one resident, Melissa Tucker, stood alone in support of active cooperation with ICE, arguing that it is necessary to protect residents when 'an illegal immigrant flees ICE officers and endangers our residents or when an illegal immigrant flees and leaves their child unattended.' After the heated debate, Commissioner Steve Hambly said the resolution is tabled for further consideration, noting that the sheriff has no ICE prisoners and no intention of entering a contract.

  • The public meeting where the resolution was discussed took place on February 10, 2026.

The players

Kristen Lowther

A Medina County resident who opposed the resolution, saying the commissioners should 'follow the constitution that sustained our great and fragile democracy.'

Elaine Stone

A Medina County resident who said the 'brown-skinned people are our neighbors and our friends and they are our hardworking community supporters.'

Melissa Tucker

A Medina County resident who spoke in favor of active cooperation with ICE and the enforcement of immigration laws.

Steve Hambly

A Medina County commissioner who said the resolution is tabled for consideration and noted that the sheriff has no ICE prisoners and no intention of entering a contract.

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What they’re saying

“Commissioners, I bet when you decided to run for office, you never thought you'd be a part of search history, and yet here we are, in this historical moment, begging you to follow the constitution that sustained our great and fragile democracy.”

— Kristen Lowther, Medina County resident

“We in Medina County know that these brown-skinned people are our neighbors and our friends and they are our hardworking community supporters, and we have absolutely nothing to fear from them.”

— Elaine Stone, Medina County resident

“I am here to speak in favor of active cooperation with ICE and the consistent enforcement of our immigration laws within Medina County. When an illegal immigrant flees ICE officers and endangers our residents or when an illegal immigrant flees and leaves their child unattended, who is to care for those children? Who is to protect the residents?”

— Melissa Tucker

What’s next

The Medina County commissioners will continue to consider the resolution limiting law enforcement cooperation with ICE at a future meeting.

The takeaway

The debate over immigration enforcement cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies like ICE has become a divisive political issue in many communities, with residents voicing strong opinions on both sides. The Medina County resolution reflects the broader tensions around immigration policy and the role of local governments in these matters.