(5-5-25) ICE Agents have been rounding up illegal immigrants around the US. Michigan and Ohio law enforcement seem to have approached the federal decree by President Trump in two separate directions.

Michigan law enforcement has taken a pretty strong stand about not assisting ICE agents.

Washtenaw County’s newly-elected Sheriff Alyshia Dyer stands firm that her department will not assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Dyer said-

“The crux of it on my end as sheriff is we’re not getting involved. Federal immigration matters are federal immigration matters, and we are local public servants.”

There are other agencies who are following suit in Michigan.

In Ohio and here in the Stateline area the opposite is taking place.

In the Stateline area….

Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman

Yes, we will assist them if they need our help.  Keep in mind that the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office does NOT have the power to arrest a person for an immigration violation, however if someone was arrested for a separate crime and housed in our local jail AND a ICE holder is placed on them we will keep them until ICE arrives with their removal orders. 

Van Wert County Sheriff Tom Riggenbach

Yes, we will assist them if they need our help.  We have a responsibility to work with Federal partners when they need our assistance. This goes to keeping our communities safe.

The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office does NOT have the power to arrest a person for an immigration violation, but if we arrest someone for a separate crime and that person is housed in our local jail AND an ICE holder is placed on them we will keep them until ICE arrives with their removal orders.

Darke County Sheriff Mark Whittaker

The Darke County Sheriff’s Office will work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when it comes to curbing local crimes that are committed by alleged illegal immigrants.  As Sheriff of Darke County my primary concerns are violent crime and illegal drug trafficking perpetrated by anyone in my county no matter what their citizenship status might be. When Darke County deputies or corrections officers come into contact with an illegal immigrant, typically through arrests involving traffic violations, their identity is confirmed and the appropriate information is shared with U.S. Immigration and Enforcement. 

Thus far since January of this year (2025) we have received ICE detainers on seven people.  Four have been picked up and removed from the Darke County Jail by Immigration agents. Three subjects are still being held on detainers or pending local charges.  The Darke County Jail received a total of 8 ICE detainers in 2024 and 7 of the subjects were removed from our jail by Immigration agents. One detainer in 2024 was lifted. The subjects in these cases were in jail for local charges and their immigration status was discovered as part of the identification process.

Portage County formalizing federal contract with ICE

19 News

Earlier this year the U.S. Department of Justice has ordered federal prosecutors to investigate state or local officials who they believe are interfering with the administration’s stern stance on immigration. It could lead to criminal charges and challenges in court

ICE’s 287(g) Program

The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 added Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) — authorizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under the agency’s direction and oversight.

The 287(g) Program enhances the safety and security of our nation’s communities by allowing ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) to partner with state and local law enforcement agencies to identify and remove criminal aliens who are amenable to removal from the U.S.

ICE recognizes the importance of its relationships with its law enforcement partners to carry out its critical mission.

The 287(g) program allows ICE — through the delegation of specified immigration officer duties — to enhance collaboration with state and local law enforcement partners to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of aliens who undermine the safety of our nation’s communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws.

Around the US—

Chicago mayor blasts ICE raids as Trump fearmongering

FOX 32 Chicago

Wisconsin Gov. Evers tells Trump border czar Tom Homan he’s “not afraid” over ICE guidance

LiveNOW from FOX

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said Friday that he’s “not afraid” in response to Tom Homan’s comments about arresting those who harbor illegal immigrants.