Approximately 200 individuals convened outside the Butler County Jail on a recent Tuesday. They sought to voice their concerns for about 450 detainees inside the facility who were under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This assembly constituted one of the largest public demonstrations in this region since Sheriff Richard Jones commenced processing immigrants for ICE, a policy he initiated shortly after President Donald Trump began his second term.
The congregation, propelled by the Greater Cincinnati faith community, performed a symbolic gesture. They raised candles in the direction of the detention center, symbolizing the numerous individuals held within its confines. The event was orchestrated by two individuals, one being the program director for Ignite Peace and the other a member of Latino Allies.
During the event, one of the coordinators asserted, “They are not forgotten.” Their concern was obvious – they were anxious for those detained, many of whom had been brought from locations outside Butler County. Their express intention was to ensure the detainees could hear the supportive voices from outside.
A specific case they sought to bring attention to was that of Alonzo Tomas Mendez. Mendez had been apprehended by ICE operatives in the parking area of the East Price Hill Kroger on the last day of May, and at the time of the protest, he was still recorded as being held in detention.
Addressing the contention that illegal immigrants had contravened U.S. laws and should consequently face prosecution and expulsion, an organizer objected, arguing the situation was not so straightforward. ‘Every individual in America, regardless of their status, is entitled to due process,’ argued one of the organizers.
They further expressed fears about the exacerbation of overcrowding within the jail facility with the influx of numerous individuals under ICE custody. The organizers had verified the total inmate population from the jail’s website that Tuesday afternoon and discovered a significant 1,156 individuals were recorded.
The scenario raises concern when examined in relation to the data from a jail inspection report issued by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. According to the report, the ‘full actual residential capacity for the Butler County Correctional Complex is a mere 844.’ This indicates the problematic overcrowding situation.
In addition, the organizers mentioned their unsuccessful attempts to reach out to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for comments on the matter. Their multiple communication efforts on that Tuesday went unanswered.