PAINESVILLE, Ohio — Lake County residents are planning a protest Monday evening outside the sheriff’s office to oppose the county’s new partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which allows local deputies to enforce federal immigration laws.
The rally, organized by the Lake-Geauga Fights Back Network, is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. outside the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Painesville.
Organizers say they expect it to be the largest demonstration yet against Sheriff Frank Leonbruno’s decision to sign a 287(g) agreement with ICE, which was announced earlier this month.
The agreement makes Lake County one of a handful of Ohio counties participating in the federal program, which permits local deputies to question, detain, and begin deportation proceedings for people based on their immigration status, organizers said in a press release.
Opponents argue the program will erode trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
U.S. Census Bureau estimates show that about 6% of Lake County’s 233,000 residents were born outside the United States, and roughly 5% identify as Hispanic or Latino.
“The community is tired of dollars being diverted away from local priorities and toward targeting those who are valuable to our communities,” Rachel Rodriguez, a community organizer in Painesville, said.
Organizers say Monday’s protest follows weeks of public outcry, including residents speaking at county meetings and urging officials to withdraw from the ICE partnership.
The Lake-Geauga Fights Back Network is encouraging residents to attend and “stand in solidarity with their immigrant neighbors.”
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