Ohio sheriff defends new ICE partnership: ‘Just doing the right thing’
Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski has made a controversial decision to assist ICE with immigration enforcement by entering into a 287(g) agreement. This agreement allows several of his deputies to be “dual commissioned” to enforce immigration law in addition to their regular law enforcement duties. While many state and local leaders have pledged to resist the Trump administration’s deportation efforts, Zuchowski believes that it is simply the right thing to do.
Zuchowski explained in a Zoom interview with Fox News Digital that the agreement allows his deputies to make immigration arrests and coordinate more efficiently with ICE to remove criminal illegal aliens from the streets. He emphasized that the goal is to keep the community safe and prevent criminal activity, regardless of a person’s immigration status.
The sheriff, who was re-elected to a second term last November, clarified that his office will not be conducting raids or targeting individuals based on their ethnicity or language. Instead, deputies will only take action if a criminal act is being committed, in line with their normal law enforcement duties.
Zuchowski expressed surprise that more Ohio sheriffs have not signed onto the 287(g) program, as he believes it will make communities safer. He encouraged other sheriffs to consider joining the program and emphasized that it is about using all available tools to keep people safe.
“We’re just doing our part as law enforcement to keep people safe,” Zuchowski said. “It’s like President Trump walked into a large conference of law enforcement officials and said, ‘Who wants to be a part of this 287-G Act and help ICE to be able to get criminal, illegal immigrants, migrants out of America?’ And I simply raised my hand.”
In conclusion, Sheriff Zuchowski stands by his decision to assist ICE with immigration enforcement, believing that it is a necessary step to protect the community and uphold the law. By participating in the 287(g) program, he aims to make Portage County a safer place for all residents.
