U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is increasing efforts to deport non-citizens involved in criminal activity, with a growing focus on public safety and closer collaboration with local law enforcement.
Here in Logan County, officials have seen a noticeable rise in ICE operations.
In past years, federal intervention was rare and typically reserved for extreme cases.
But since January 2025, 7 inmates from the Logan County Jail have been transferred into ICE custody, and one is currently waiting for transport.
Most of those individuals were originally arrested for drug- or alcohol-related offenses, including OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired), drug possession, and trafficking.
Jail Administrator, Lt. Tim Klingelhofer, talks about ICE and his inmates:
Critically, individuals are not turned over to ICE until they are convicted in local court, which can happen in a matter of days, typically within a week.
Once convicted, ICE agents pick up the individual and transport them to a federal holding facility in Columbus, where immigration proceedings begin.
The Logan County Sheriff’s Office says it values the ongoing partnership with ICE, noting that it helps relieve pressure on the jail and removes repeat offenders from the community.
Officials also emphasize that the removal of these individuals makes Logan County a safer place for everyone.
While ICE operations continue to spark debate across the country, local officials say these actions are focused and necessary, especially when public safety is a top priority.
