ACLU calls on sheriffs to reject Trump immigration policy enforcement

The ACLU of Ohio sent a letter out to sheriff’s offices in 10 of Ohio’s most populous counties in addition to the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association, calling on them to reject participation in federal immigration enforcement.

Capt. Jack Hammond of the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office said his department has yet to receive the letter and plan to continue with Obama-era enforcement practices.

“We won’t arrest or delay release or prolong the custody of a person just solely on their immigration status,” Hammond said.

When deputies do come into contact with undocumented immigrants, they often notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a courtesy, he said.

However, Lorain County views enforcement of such matters strictly a federal responsibility and does not foresee making any changes as a result of the Trump administration’s mandate, Hammond said.

In the letter, the ACLU outlines numerous problems with the Trump administration’s priorities and argues that such enforcement by local officials is not required by federal law.

The ACLU argues the new federal guidelines present troubling constitutional implications in asking local authorities to detain individuals more than 48 hours after they are eligible for release with a judicial warrant.

The ACLU also said enforcement has the potential to undermine the efforts of local authorities to build trust within the communities in which they serve when people cannot report suspected criminal activity without fear of deportation or imprisonment.

Mike Brickner, senior policy director of the ACLU of Ohio, characterized the immigration directives as an example of President Donald Trump “strong-arming” municipalities into enforcing federal laws under the threat of reducing funding to communities which fail to comply.

“Enforcement of federal immigration laws is best left to the federal government,” Brickner said. “The administration’s current plans would unleash a Pandora’s box of problems for local officials and the communities they serve.

“Officials should resist enforcing these wrongheaded policies.”