Liston Denounces Passage of Harmful Bill Attacking Ohio's Immigrant Population

Today, state Senator Beth Liston (D-Dublin), joined by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, voted against Senate Bill 172. The bill declares that individuals who are, or are suspected of being, unlawfully present in the U.S. are not protected from arrest, even without a warrant.

“Everyone deserves due process,” said Senator Liston. “Turning Ohio’s local officers into immigration agents will only sow fear in our communities, separate families, and make us all less safe.”

SB 172 allows action to be taken against individuals not only for unlawful presence but also based solely on suspicion, without evidence. The bill states that federal immigration enforcement takes priority over all state, local, and judicial authority. It allows officers to detain people anywhere in the state under any circumstances, with or without a warrant, including in traditionally protected spaces like places of worship, schools, courthouses, and community centers. Alarmingly, the bill also strips wrongfully detained individuals of any right to legal recourse.

Senator Liston reiterated the importance of upholding state and federal immigration laws, but maintained that instilling fear, undermining the courts, and circumventing due process is not the American way.

Knowing your rights is essential in keeping our immigrant families safe. See resources here.