Quick Bytes
- Report exposes racial profiling by Ohio law enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol.
- 68% of detainees were Latin American males with no criminal history.
- Ohio law enforcement frequently involved Border Patrol in traffic stops.
- Recommendations include limiting local law enforcement’s requests for Border Patrol assistance.
Summary of Ohio Border Patrol and Law Enforcement Practices
A recent report by Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) and the American Immigration Council has shed light on the collaboration between Ohio law enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol agents, leading to racial profiling and problematic apprehension practices. The findings are based on data obtained through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, which include a systemic sample of I-213s, Border Patrol’s Apprehension Log, and other records.
Key Findings of the Report
The analysis revealed that a significant majority of the individuals detained were Latin American males aged 18 to 55, with darker skin and no criminal history. Over half of these arrests were initiated by local law enforcement in Ohio, who often called upon Border Patrol to assist with identification checks, even when valid identification was provided.
Problematic Detention Tactics
The report highlighted a pattern where Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) troopers would stop vehicles for minor traffic violations and subsequently involve Border Patrol, leading to the detention of both drivers and passengers. This practice has resulted in numerous arrests, immigration detentions, and potential deportations, disproportionately affecting Latino communities and people of color.
Impact on Communities and Recommendations
The unchecked enforcement practices have disrupted the lives of immigrants with strong ties to the U.S., including those in mixed-status families. The report calls for state and federal action to mitigate the negative impact on communities, such as limiting local law enforcement’s ability to request Border Patrol assistance and increasing transparency and oversight to combat racial profiling.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Ohio law enforcement and Border Patrol has been ongoing for over 15 years, targeting Latinx individuals and people of color. The report emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement to protect civil rights and prevent discriminatory practices.
