On March 11, 2025, Portage County, Ohio Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski signed a formal agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), authorizing county officers to assist in immigration enforcement after specialized training. This Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), approved by ICE’s acting director on March 17, grants the sheriff’s deputies new powers to interrogate, detain, and process suspected undocumented immigrants in this northeast Ohio county.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from residents and community organizations, from the Portage County NAACP President Reney Romine to officials from local educational institutions.
In the eternal tug-of-war between safety and political idealism, it never hurts to examine what this agreement actually says, how it will be applied, and why the Portage County Sheriff has risked his popularity to defend it.
What the ICE Agreement Actually Means
The partnership falls under what’s commonly known as the 287(g) program or “Delegation of Immigration Authority”, a federal initiative that enables local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
According to the Memorandum of Agreement, the pact grants the sheriff’s office authority to interrogate individuals suspected of being in the country illegally, make arrests without warrants under specific circumstances, and maintain custody of individuals on behalf of ICE.
The document specifies that deputies can arrest a person without a warrant if they witness them entering the U.S. unlawfully or “has reason to believe” someone is in the country illegally and likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained. The agreement also allows for warrantless arrests for felonies under similar conditions.
Sheriff’s Office Defends the Move
Sheriff Zuchowski defended his decision, stating: “Although Portage County may not be a border community, the impacts of crime do not stop at border towns and in many ways impact communities throughout our county. As an office, we have encountered illegal immigrants during the course of our daily responsibilities.”
The sheriff emphasized that the agreement would allow his office “to be more effective in its efforts to enforce both criminal and immigration laws, improving community safety and security.” This justification aligns with his department’s stated commitment to enhancing public safety throughout Portage County.
The Role of Sheriffs in Immigration Enforcement
This partnership represents an expansion of local law enforcement’s role in addressing immigration violations, filling gaps where federal resources may be limited.
Under the agreement, if the sheriff’s office doesn’t bring local or state charges, deputies can still “process” individuals and have ICE determine case-by-case handling, with allowances for “special interests or other circumstances.”
Why These Agreements Often Face Opposition
The announcement has raised questions about potential racial profiling, civil rights violations, and unlawful detentions.
Opposition often centers on concerns about how such agreements might affect community relations and trust in law enforcement, which may, in the long term, harm law enforcement efforts beyond the temporary boost.
Meanwhile, other critics from the world of academia worry about the impact on international students: the country is home to Kent State University, where a group of international students had their visas temporarily revoked earlier this year. These visitors, who are largely well-off, well-behaved, and educated, contribute significantly to local educational institutions and economies.
Public Safety Shouldn’t Be Political
While the agreement has generated controversy, Sheriff Zuchowski frames it as a necessary step to address public safety concerns. The sheriff’s office must balance enforcement responsibilities with community trust, a challenge faced by law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The MOA specifies that ICE will provide instructors and training materials, but the sheriff’s office remains responsible for its personnel expenses, including salaries, benefits, and transportation. This investment signals the sheriff’s commitment to this enforcement priority despite potential political and community backlash.
As this partnership moves forward, Portage County residents, officials, and community leaders will continue to debate whether this local sheriff ICE agreement truly enhances public safety or creates new challenges for community relations.
Why National Police Support Fund Supports Stories Like This One
The Portage County Sheriff’s ICE partnership exemplifies how local sheriffs must sometimes make unpopular choices to uphold their sworn duties. We believe law enforcement officials should be empowered and not undermined when forming partnerships that enhance public safety and enforce existing laws.
At National Police Support Fund, we will continue advocating for policies supporting local control, effective law enforcement partnerships, and officer safety, ensuring sheriffs nationwide have the resources and authority needed to serve their communities effectively.
