Overview
- Interim manager Matt Jones said Tuesday that Officer Jeff Baylor resigned, and he confirmed the department suspended its 287(g) immigration partnership, which lets local police carry out limited ICE duties under federal oversight.
- The controversy began Wednesday when Chief Tonina Lamanna and Baylor visited Western Hills University High School, Rees E. Price Academy and Roberts Academy claiming to do ICE “wellness checks,” but staff turned them away and no students were contacted.
- Lamanna remains on paid leave during a village investigation after officials said the trip ran counter to expectations on operating outside the department’s jurisdiction two counties away.
- ICE described Gratis as a partner yet said no federal officers took part and the visits were not an enforcement action, while Baylor says he never claimed to be federal and let Lamanna do the talking.
- Cincinnati Public Schools held a private security session Monday and state Rep. Cecil Thomas is pressing for an inquiry, as parents warn the episode could chill trust for immigrant families who rely on schools as safe spaces.