For Immediate Release

February 13, 2026

Media Contact:

David Meyers, dfmeyers@columbus.gov, 614-270-9121

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla will co-host a hearing with Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin and President Pro Tem Rob Dorans on Tuesday, Feb. 17 to announce legislation to protect families amid increased federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in Columbus.

“Columbus is a city built by immigrants, and our responsibility as local leaders is to protect the trust that keeps our communities safe,” Councilmember Barroso de Padilla said. “This legislative package reflects our commitment to ensuring that residents can go to work, take their children to school or seek help when they need it without fear. Columbus will continue to focus city resources on serving residents — not on federal immigration enforcement. We are standing firmly in support of dignity, due process and the welcoming spirit that defines our city.” 

The City of Columbus does not have authority over federal immigration operations. But the City does have the right to secure its public spaces, buildings and property from enforcement actions not authorized by judicial warrants; manage information-sharing and partnerships with federal agencies; to criminalize harassment at daycares and schools; investigate and store evidence of crimes committed against residents; prohibit the permitting of detention centers and more.

“Public safety begins with trust, and Columbus has worked very hard over the past six years to bring our community and law enforcement closer to create a safer city for everyone," President Pro Tem Dorans said. "Based on the unprofessional and dangerous conduct of federal immigration agents across the country, City Council knows we have to do everything we can to prevent chaos on our streets that would set our community back. That is why we're reviewing policies from other communities that leverage the limited power we have at the local level to keep our community as safe as we can." 

Columbus City Council's legislative package follows those introduced across U.S. cities like Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Baltimore and others, which have also sought to curb federal overreach and abusive enforcement practices. City Council will consider a resolution from the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs that demands that ICE adhere to the same professionalism, training, identification and accountability standards of officers of the Columbus Division of Police.  

“Excessive ICE enforcement has been documented in Minneapolis and here in Columbus during Operation Buckeye just a few months ago,” said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “This is about looking out for our neighbors. We are committed to doing everything in our power to keep our streets, families and residents safe.” 

Those wishing to speak at the hearing to give public comment should email Andie McDonald at ABMcDonald@columbus.gov by 3 p.m. on February 17 with "Written Testimony" in the subject line. Remarks will be limited to three minutes. 

It is already of the law of Columbus, passed by City Council in 2017 to establish Section 161.10 of City Code, that the City shall not use city funds, equipment or personnel for the sole purpose of detecting or apprehending any person based on the person's suspected immigration status, except in response to a court order. 

Who: 

Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla  

Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans 

Council President Shannon Hardin 

When: 

Tuesday, Feb. 17 

5:15 p.m. 

Where: 

Columbus City Hall 

Council Chambers (second floor) 

90 W. Broad St. 

Columbus, OH 43215 

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