Weinstein Denounces Passage of Anti-Immigrant Bill, S.B. 172

Today, state Senator Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) strongly denounced the passage of Senate Bill 172, a controversial measure that expands local law enforcement’s role in federal immigration enforcement and permits individuals to be detained based solely on suspicion of immigration status, even in the absence of a judicial warrant.

“S.B. 172 doesn’t make Ohioans safer. It undermines our legal system and threatens the constitutional rights of everyone in this state, regardless of immigration status,” said Weinstein. “By allowing people to be detained based solely on suspicion without due process or oversight we open the door to wrongful arrests, racial profiling, and deep erosion of public trust.”

The legislation, introduced in response to local court rules adopted by Franklin County judges, prohibits policies that limit civil immigration arrests at courthouses unless a warrant is presented. These court policies were intended to preserve access to justice by ensuring that victims, witnesses, and defendants could safely attend legal proceedings without fear of detention.

Weinstein reaffirmed his commitment to supporting law enforcement and fair immigration enforcement, but said S.B. 172 reflects a reactive, unjust approach that fails to deliver real solutions.

Weinstein criticized the bill’s reliance on vague and subjective suspicion, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for law enforcement overreach without judicial checks. He also voiced concerns that the bill will likely discourage people from cooperating with police or engaging with the legal system, ultimately weakening public safety rather than strengthening it.

“These are hardworking people, many of them with families, who are navigating an immigration process that we all know is broken,” Weinstein added. “Instead of fixing the system or offering real reform this bill punishes those trying to follow the rules and contribute to our communities. We should be working to ensure safety and justice for all Ohioans not pushing policies that divide and intimidate.”

Senator Weinstein remains dedicated to advancing policies that protect due process, promote community trust, and ensure justice for all Ohioans.

Knowing your rights as an immigrant is essential in keeping our immigrant families safe. See resource HERE.