Story perspectives

Columbus Citizens Fear ICE as Deaths Reach Record High

12/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

In Columbus, Ohio, naturalized citizens carry passports due to increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and fear.
Local leaders, including Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, oppose ICE presence and say police will not assist arrests.
The surge follows actions in other Democrat-led cities.
Under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, seven detainees died in ICE custody this month, a record high.
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, demand detention facility oversight.

History

Historical Context

The Trump administration's immigration policies in 2017 led to a record seven detainee deaths in ICE custody, prompting local leaders like Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther to oppose ICE's operations. This reflects ongoing tensions in Democrat-led cities regarding federal immigration enforcement, echoing earlier resistance seen in Cook County's 2011 ordinance that limited cooperation with ICE, highlighting the complex dynamics of immigrant rights and community safety.

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Story summary

In Columbus, Ohio, naturalized citizens carry passports due to increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and fear.
Local leaders, including Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, oppose ICE presence and say police will not assist arrests.
The surge follows actions in other Democrat-led cities.
Under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, seven detainees died in ICE custody this month, a record high.
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, demand detention facility oversight.

1 / 2