Ohio Cities Respond to Federal Immigration Enforcement

Local municipalities across Ohio and Michigan are taking action to limit cooperation with federal immigration agencies.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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As federal immigration enforcement efforts have ramped up across the United States, city councils in Ohio and Michigan are passing resolutions, ordinances, and motions to establish policies that limit how their municipalities interact with federal immigration agencies like ICE. Cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo are taking proactive steps, while others like Sylvania and Romulus have faced more resistance from local officials.

Why it matters

These local policy decisions reflect the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and the rights and protections afforded to all residents, regardless of immigration status, by local governments. The actions by these Ohio and Michigan cities demonstrate the desire of some communities to maintain their autonomy and limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

The details

Cincinnati City Council passed a series of motions to define how the city will cooperate with immigration enforcement agencies, just days after Columbus approved similar ordinances. In Sylvania, Councilman Doug Haynam has introduced legislation to protect the civil and human rights of all residents, but has faced opposition from fellow council members. In Romulus, Michigan, the city council adopted a resolution opposing the establishment of an ICE detention center within city limits, citing concerns over public safety and economic development.

  • Last week, Cincinnati City Council passed a series of motions.
  • Just days earlier, Columbus City Council approved similar ordinances.
  • On Monday, the Sylvania City Council decided to send Councilman Haynam's ordinance to the city administration for further review.

The players

Anna Albi

Cincinnati City Councilman.

Doug Haynam

Sylvania City Councilman who has introduced legislation to limit the city's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Vanice Williams

Toledo City Council President.

Nick Komives

Toledo City Councilman.

Theresa Gadus

Toledo City Councilwoman.

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What they’re saying

“Federal courts have already ruled on multiple occasions that local municipalities, local law enforcement cannot be forced to enact federal immigration enforcement. So we really want to establish the rules of the road here in Cincinnati.”

— Anna Albi, Cincinnati City Councilman (toledoblade.com)

“This doesn't stop ICE from doing its job, it just says 'We're not going to spend our money or apply our resources.' We're just not going to use our resources to support them in their immigration enforcement.”

— Doug Haynam, Sylvania City Councilman (toledoblade.com)

“Most Americans don't think that we ought to discriminate against other people. That's not a traditional Republican or a Democrat issue. We treat people with respect, dignity, whoever they are.”

— Doug Haynam, Sylvania City Councilman (toledoblade.com)

What’s next

Sylvania City Council has 40 days to act on Councilman Haynam's ordinance after a sufficient number of signatures are gathered to put the issue on the November ballot. If the council fails to pass it, the petition can then be placed on the ballot.

The takeaway

These local policy decisions in Ohio and Michigan demonstrate the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and the desire of some communities to maintain their autonomy and protect the rights and well-being of all residents, regardless of immigration status.