7 Explosive Effects of ICE Arrests in Columbus Ohio

Quick Answer:

In the week leading up to Christmas, reports of ICE arrests in Columbus Ohio escalated rapidly. Residents shared videos of detentions in apartment complexes and on public streets. Local journalists documented federal agents operating without coordination with city officials. Within days, Columbus leaders held a press conference to reassure immigrant communities: the city is not cooperating with ICE enforcement.

ICE, meanwhile, released a national press statement branding the activity “Operation Buckeye,” framing arrests as targeting “the worst of the worst,” while declining to release totals, locations, or a full breakdown of civil versus criminal cases.

This article consolidates verified reporting, official statements, demographic data, and community impact into a single, citable resource.

This article examines recent ICE arrests in Columbus Ohio and their impact on the local community.

What Happened in Columbus Last Week: Verified Timeline

ICE arrests reported across neighborhoods

Local reporting described ICE activity near major corridors and residential areas, including I-670, Cleveland Avenue, and neighborhoods with large immigrant populations. Journalists emphasized that while some social-media claims were unverified, ICE confirmed active operations in the city.

See:
WOSU: Reports of increased ICE activity spark response from Columbus city officials and police

Videos circulated widely

Multiple videos were published by local outlets and shared by residents showing plainclothes or masked agents, detentions in parking lots, and individuals taken into custody in daylight.

Primary video sources used by reporters:

WOSU noted that the videos contributed to fear and confusion because agents were not always clearly identifiable, and residents could not tell where enforcement would occur next.

ICE’s Official Response: “Operation Buckeye”

ICE acknowledged the Columbus enforcement in a formal press release titled “Operation Buckeye.” The agency said it arrested individuals with felony convictions, including drug offenses, and described those arrested as “the worst of the worst.”

Official statement:
ICE press release: Operation Buckeye

However, ICE did not provide:

total number of arrests in Columbus
neighborhood-level locations
confirmation of judicial warrants
civil vs. criminal immigration breakdown

Local reporting emphasized that ICE supplied details for only two individuals, leaving the scope of enforcement unclear.

Exact Quotes: What Columbus Leaders Said

Mayor Andrew Ginther

Mayor Ginther publicly rejected the need for federal intervention:

“Please know that we stand with you and everyone who calls Columbus home.”

He added:

“While some may say they’re here to make Columbus safer, the fact is Columbus is already safe. We have not asked for and do not need this unwelcome intervention.”

Coverage:
CW Columbus: Mayor, police chief affirm Columbus policy against aiding immigration enforcement

Mayor Ginther also stated that:

“Hatred, xenophobia and bigotry are not tolerated in Columbus.”

Police Chief Elaine Bryant

Chief Bryant confirmed ICE presence but emphasized non-cooperation:

“We have verified that they are here. We don’t have a particular number, but we do know that they are here and they are doing operations.”

She further stated:

“We do not provide information to immigration enforcement agents for the purpose of locating a person solely for civil immigration enforcement actions.”

Reporting:
WOSU: City officials and police respond to ICE activity

Legal Perspective: Richard T. Herman

Immigration attorney Richard T. Herman, founder of Herman Legal Group, explained the broader impact:

“When ICE suddenly appears in neighborhoods, fear spreads instantly — especially among families who have lived, worked, and paid taxes here for years. The law still provides rights, even during enforcement actions, but those rights only matter if people know them.”

Background on interior enforcement tactics:
Why ICE Is Now Waiting at USCIS Interviews

Who Lives in Columbus: Immigrant Demographics That Matter

Columbus is one of the largest immigrant hubs in the Midwest, which explains the outsized reaction to enforcement.

Columbus metro area

According to the Vera Institute of Justice:

Over 113,000 immigrants in the Columbus metro area have lived in the U.S. since 2009 or earlier
Tens of thousands are homeowners
More than 30,000 immigrant students are enrolled in local schools

Source:
Vera Institute: Columbus Immigrant Population Profile (PDF)

The American Immigration Council reports immigrants are deeply embedded in Columbus’s workforce and economic growth:
New Americans in the Columbus Metro Area

Ohio statewide

Statewide context from leading policy groups:

Why the Somali Community Is Central to This Story

Columbus has one of the largest Somali populations in the United States, commonly estimated at 45,000–65,000 people — far exceeding census ancestry counts.

Community sources:

This matters because Somalis have repeatedly been singled out in national political rhetoric, including renewed attacks by Donald Trump in December 2025.

Local and national coverage:

For many Somali families in Columbus, Operation Buckeye landed immediately after this rhetoric, intensifying fear that their community was being singled out.

Is Columbus a Sanctuary City?

Columbus is not legally designated a sanctuary city, but it does have sanctuary-like policies, including a mayoral executive order limiting city involvement in immigration enforcement.

Official policy:
City of Columbus Executive Order on immigration and city services (PDF)

Federal scrutiny:
ABC6: Columbus and Franklin County labeled sanctuary jurisdictions by DHS

Why Columbus — and Why Now (Days Before Christmas)?

Several factors converge:

Interior enforcement sends a national signal — far from the border
Columbus’s growth is immigration-driven, making it symbolically powerful
- Axios: Columbus population growth boosted by immigration
Large Somali and African communities align with Trump’s repeated fixation
Holiday-season timing maximizes disruption, fear, and visibility

City officials acknowledged that even unverified rumors were enough to keep parents home, workers off shifts, and families indoors.

Fear on the Ground: Children, School, and Work

Local officials and reporters documented:

parents keeping children home from school
workers missing shifts to avoid reported enforcement zones
panic fueled by uncertainty and videos of unmarked detentions

WOSU summarized the impact succinctly: the lack of information itself became destabilizing.

What We Still Don’t Know

Despite Operation Buckeye branding:

Total arrests remain undisclosed
Civil vs. criminal breakdown is unknown
Judicial warrant use is unclear
Duration of ICE presence is unspecified

What Immigrants in Columbus Should Do Right Now (A Practical Survival Guide)

For immigrants in Columbus, the most dangerous moment is uncertainty. ICE enforcement often succeeds not because of the law, but because fear causes people to make avoidable mistakes.

Here is clear, Columbus-specific guidance compiled from immigration attorneys and prior enforcement waves.

If ICE Comes to Your Home

Do not open the door unless ICE shows a judicial warrant signed by a judge
Administrative ICE warrants (Form I-200 or I-205) do not require you to open the door
You have the right to remain silent
Do not sign anything without speaking to a lawyer

Step-by-step guidance is explained here:
Know Your Rights If ICE Comes to Your Home

If ICE Stops You in Public

You can ask: “Am I free to leave?”
If not under arrest, you may walk away calmly
You do not have to answer questions about immigration status

If ICE Arrests a Family Member

Ask where they are being taken
Get their A-number if possible
Contact an immigration attorney immediately

Immigration Bonds in Columbus — Who Can Get Out of Detention and How

One of the least explained aspects of ICE enforcement is what happens after someone is detained.

Many immigrants in Ohio are eligible for release on an immigration bond, but families often do not know this until it is too late.

What Is an Immigration Bond?

An immigration bond allows a detained person to be released from ICE custody while their immigration case proceeds in immigration court.

Who Is Typically Eligible?

Eligibility depends on factors such as:

No serious violent criminal convictions
No mandatory detention under immigration law
Demonstrating community ties (family, work, length of residence)

How the Bond Process Works

ICE may set a bond amount, or
The immigrant requests a bond hearing before an immigration judge
The judge evaluates flight risk and danger to the community

A detailed, Ohio-specific explanation is available here:
Immigration Bond: How to Get Released From ICE Detention

Why This Matters Right Now

During enforcement surges like Operation Buckeye, many people sit in detention longer than necessary simply because families do not know bond relief exists.

Journalists and advocates frequently link to bond explainers during enforcement spikes — making this section a backlink magnet.

Common Defenses Against Deportation (Relief From Removal)

ICE arrests are not the end of the story. For many immigrants in Columbus, arrest is the beginning of a legal defense.

Here are the most common forms of relief immigrants apply for in immigration court:

1. Asylum

For people fearing persecution due to:

Race
Religion
Nationality
Political opinion
Membership in a particular social group

Overview:
Asylum in the United States Explained

2. Cancellation of Removal

Available to some immigrants who:

Have lived in the U.S. for many years
Have U.S. citizen or permanent resident family
Can show exceptional and extremely unusual hardship

Guide:
Cancellation of Removal Explained

3. VAWA (for Survivors of Abuse)

For immigrants abused by:

A U.S. citizen spouse or parent
A lawful permanent resident spouse or parent

Resource:
VAWA Immigration Relief

4. Adjustment of Status

Some immigrants in removal proceedings can still:

Apply for a green card
Adjust status through family or employment

Explanation:
Adjustment of Status While in Immigration Court

Including this section helps counter the false narrative that “arrest = deportation,” which is a major source of panic and misinformation.

The Psychological Toll of ICE Fear — On Immigrants, Children, and U.S. Citizen Families

One of the most under-reported consequences of ICE operations is psychological harm.

Even when arrests are limited, fear spreads rapidly — especially in mixed-status families, which are common in Columbus.

Documented Impacts Include:

Children showing anxiety, sleep disruption, and regression
Parents avoiding work, school meetings, and medical care
Increased depression and PTSD-like symptoms
Family separation trauma even without actual detention

Herman Legal Group has previously documented how immigration fear alone — without deportation — causes long-term emotional harm:
Psychological Impact of Immigration Enforcement on Families

Why This Matters in Columbus

Columbus has tens of thousands of U.S.-citizen children living with at least one immigrant parent
ICE activity near schools, apartments, and workplaces amplifies fear
Somali, African, and Latino communities are especially impacted due to prior targeting rhetoric

Mental-health professionals note that holiday-season enforcement is particularly damaging, as it compounds stress, isolation, and uncertainty.

This section resonates strongly with:

Journalists
Pediatric advocates
School officials
Public-health researchers

Frequently Asked Questions: ICE’s Operation Buckeye and Enforcement in Columbus, Ohio

What is Operation Buckeye, in plain language?

Operation Buckeye is the name ICE gave to a recent immigration enforcement operation in Ohio, including Columbus. ICE says the operation targets people with criminal convictions, but the agency has not released a full list of arrests, locations, or a breakdown of civil versus criminal cases.

ICE confirmed the operation publicly, but key details remain undisclosed, which is why local reporting and community documentation have become essential.

Did ICE really arrest people in Columbus last week?

Yes. ICE confirmed arrests in Columbus, and multiple local news outlets published videos and eyewitness reporting showing detentions in apartment complexes and on public streets.

City officials also confirmed ICE’s presence, while emphasizing that Columbus police were not involved in immigration enforcement.

How many people were arrested in Columbus during Operation Buckeye?

ICE has not released a total number of arrests in Columbus.

The agency publicly identified only two individuals, while declining to disclose:

total arrests
how many were civil immigration cases
how many people had no criminal convictions

This lack of transparency is a central issue raised by journalists and advocates.

Is Columbus a sanctuary city?

Columbus is not formally designated a sanctuary city by state law, but it does have sanctuary-like policies.

The city:

does not use local police to enforce immigration law
does not ask about immigration status when providing city services
limits cooperation with ICE under a mayoral executive order

This is why city leaders publicly stated that ICE operations were “unwelcome” and not coordinated with local government.

Are Columbus police helping ICE?

No.

Both the Mayor of Columbus and the Police Chief stated that:

Columbus police are not participating in ICE enforcement
CPD does not provide information to ICE for civil immigration arrests
Residents should still call 911 without fear

Local police presence during ICE operations is limited to general public safety, not immigration enforcement.

Why did ICE target Columbus specifically?

Columbus is significant for several reasons:

It is a large interior U.S. city, far from the border
Immigration has driven much of its recent population growth
It has one of the largest Somali communities in the United States
It has large African, Latino, and mixed-status family populations

Interior-city enforcement sends a national signal that immigration enforcement is not limited to border states.

Why are Somali and African communities especially worried?

Columbus is home to an estimated 45,000–65,000 Somali residents, making it one of the largest Somali diaspora hubs in the country.

This matters because:

Somali immigrants have been repeatedly targeted in national political rhetoric
Recent remarks by Donald Trump explicitly singled out Somalis
ICE publicly named a Somali national in its Columbus arrests

For many families, Operation Buckeye landed immediately after renewed Somali-targeted rhetoric, intensifying fear that their community was being singled out.

Why did this happen right before Christmas?

ICE has not explained the timing.

However, immigration advocates and researchers note that holiday-season enforcement:

maximizes visibility
increases fear and disruption
makes it harder for families to access lawyers, schools, and courts

Local officials acknowledged that even unverified reports were enough to keep families indoors and children home from school.

What should I do if ICE comes to my home in Columbus?

You have rights.

You do not have to open the door unless ICE shows a judicial warrant signed by a judge
ICE administrative warrants do not require you to open the door
You have the right to remain silent
Do not sign documents without speaking to a lawyer

Step-by-step guidance is available here:
Know Your Rights If ICE Comes to Your Home

What if ICE stops me in public?

You can ask: “Am I free to leave?”

If the answer is yes, you may calmly walk away
If you are detained, you still have the right to remain silent
You do not have to answer questions about immigration status

If a family member is detained, can they get released?

Possibly.

Many people detained by ICE are eligible for an immigration bond, which allows release while their case is pending.

Eligibility depends on:

criminal history
prior removal orders
risk of flight
danger to the community

A judge can also review bond eligibility at a bond hearing.

Explanation:
Immigration Bond: How Release From ICE Detention Works

What types of relief from deportation are common after an ICE arrest?

An ICE arrest does not automatically mean deportation.

Common forms of relief include:

Asylum
Asylum in the United States Explained
Cancellation of Removal (for long-term residents with U.S. citizen family)
Cancellation of Removal Explained
VAWA (for survivors of abuse by U.S. citizen or resident relatives)
VAWA Immigration Relief
Adjustment of Status (getting a green card while in court)
Adjustment of Status in Immigration Court

Can ICE arrest people who are “doing everything right”?

Yes.

ICE arrests have included people who were:

attending immigration appointments
appearing in immigration court
living peacefully with family

This is why fear spreads even among people who believe they are following the rules.

Background:
Why ICE Is Now Waiting at USCIS Interviews

How does ICE enforcement affect children and U.S. citizen families?

Even when no one is deported, ICE activity causes serious harm.

Documented impacts include:

children missing school
anxiety, sleep disruption, and behavioral changes
parents avoiding work and medical care
long-term psychological trauma

Research and legal analysis:
Psychological Impact of Immigration Enforcement on Families

Is it safe to send my child to school in Columbus right now?

Local officials said there were no confirmed ICE actions at schools, but fear spread because enforcement locations were unclear.

Schools do not enforce immigration law, and ICE policy generally treats schools as sensitive locations, but families should stay informed and prepared.

Will ICE continue arrests in Columbus?

ICE has not said whether Operation Buckeye is ongoing or complete.

Because the agency did not disclose:

how long agents will remain
where they are operating
how many people are targeted

Journalists and advocates expect continued scrutiny and updates.

Where can immigrants in Columbus get reliable, updated information?

Reliable sources include:

local reporting from Columbus outlets
official city statements
trusted immigration law resources

Herman Legal Group publishes Ohio-specific updates and rights guides at:
lawfirm4immigrants.com

You Are Not Alone — Get Trusted Legal Help in Columbus Now

When ICE activity increases, fear spreads fast. Families worry about going to work, sending children to school, or attending required immigration appointments. In moments like this, having experienced, local immigration counsel is critical.

Herman Legal Group has a Columbus, Ohio office and is ready to help immediately.
Our Columbus team is led by Attorney Luis Villarroel, who is fluent in Spanish, together with Attorney Richard T. Herman, a nationally recognized immigration lawyer with more than 30 years of experience defending immigrants and their families.

We bring to every case:

30+ years of immigration law experience
Extensive, real-world experience with ICE arrests, detention, and immigration court
Representation in immigration bond hearings, asylum, cancellation of removal, VAWA, and adjustment of status
A legal team that collectively speaks more than 10 languages
Deep familiarity with Ohio immigration courts, ICE procedures, and emergency enforcement situations

We understand what is happening in Columbus right now — not just legally, but emotionally and practically. We know how quickly ICE encounters can escalate, and we know how to respond with speed, strategy, and compassion.

Take Action Now — Talk to a Columbus Immigration Lawyer

Call our Columbus office: (614) 300-1131
Schedule a confidential consultation online:
Schedule a Consultation with Herman Legal Group

If you or a loved one has been stopped, questioned, detained, placed in removal proceedings, or is afraid to attend an immigration appointment, do not wait. Early legal guidance can make the difference between release and detention, between fear and a clear plan forward.

Herman Legal Group stands with the Columbus immigrant community — experienced, multilingual, and ready to protect your rights.

Columbus Immigration Enforcement Resource Directory

Legal Help, Government Offices, Community Support, and Trusted Information

This directory is designed for immigrants, families, journalists, educators, and advocates looking for verified, Columbus-specific immigration resources during periods of increased ICE enforcement.

Herman Legal Group — Columbus Immigration Legal Resources

Herman Legal Group — Columbus Office

Local representation for ICE arrests, detention, bonds, and immigration court
Led by Richard T. Herman and Luis Villarroel (Spanish-speaking attorney)
30+ years of immigration law experience

Start here:
Herman Legal Group – Columbus Immigration Lawyers

Schedule Legal Help Immediately

Schedule a Confidential Consultation
Columbus Office Phone: (614) 300-1131

Know Your Rights & ICE Enforcement Guides (HLG)

These are high-authority internal resources frequently cited by journalists and advocates:

If ICE Comes to Your Home
Know Your Rights if ICE Comes to Your Home
ICE Arrests Away From the Border
Why ICE Is Now Waiting at USCIS Interviews
Immigration Detention & Release
Immigration Bond Lawyer – How Release From ICE Detention Works
Defending Deportation Cases
Cancellation of Removal Explained
Protection for Survivors of Abuse
VAWA Immigration Relief Guide
Asylum Protection
Asylum Lawyer – How Asylum Works in the U.S.
Adjustment of Status (Green Card)
Adjustment of Status While in Immigration Court
Psychological & Family Impact of Enforcement
Psychological Impact of Immigration Enforcement on Families

USCIS & Federal Immigration Offices Serving Columbus

USCIS Columbus Field Office

Handles green cards, naturalization, interviews, and other benefits.

USCIS Columbus Field Office Information

Immigration Court – Cleveland

Most Columbus removal cases are heard here.

EOIR Immigration Court – Cleveland

ICE & DHS (Official Statements and Policies)

These sources are used by journalists and researchers for official federal positions:

Columbus & Central Ohio Community Support Organizations

Somali & African Community Resources

Legal & Social Support

Immigration Data & Demographics (For Journalists & Researchers)

These sources provide credible data frequently cited in national reporting:

Media & Ongoing Coverage of ICE Activity in Columbus

For verified, up-to-date reporting:

Herman Legal Group

ICE Enforcement & Community Response in Columbus

Columbus ICE Protests
Published today. Coverage of protestors, community response, and civic reaction to recent ICE arrests in Columbus.
Operation Buckeye in Columbus: ICE Arrests, Immigrant Demographics, Somali Communities, and Why This City Was Targeted
In-depth reporting on the Columbus enforcement operation, demographics affected, and policy drivers.
7 Explosive Effects of ICE Arrests in Columbus Ohio
Data-driven analysis of the legal, economic, and family impacts of ICE arrests in Columbus.
How to Prepare for ICE Arrest in Columbus Ohio
What To Do If ICE Comes To Your Door: 10 Smart Things
Bond in Ohio: What to Do in the First 72 Hours After an ICE Arrest
Motion for Bond Determination
Cleveland Immigration Court 2026 Survival Guide
Deep Dive Into Trump’s War Against Immigration Courts

Why This Resource Directory Matters

This directory is intentionally designed to:

Serve as a single source of truth during enforcement surges
Reduce misinformation and panic
Support journalists, educators, and advocates with citable sources
Help immigrant families find help quickly

If you are in Columbus and need legal help now, Herman Legal Group is available.

Call the Columbus office: (614) 300-1131
Or schedule online:
Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Success Stories

Operation Buckeye in Columbus: ICE Arrests, Immigrant Demographics, Somali Communities, and Why This City Was Targeted

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