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Gratis Police Chief and Officer Put on Leave After Visits to Cincinnati Schools

The village launched an internal review after its officers sought ICE-linked wellness checks at three Cincinnati campuses without securing access.

Overview

  • The Village of Gratis placed Chief Tonina Lamanna and Officer Jeffrey Baylor on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation by the village council.
  • Cincinnati Public Schools says the officers appeared at Western Hills High School, Roberts Academy and Rees E. Price Academy claiming to conduct Immigration and Customs Enforcement wellness checks.
  • District officials say staff denied them entry due to a lack of warrants or paperwork and confirmed the officers did not meet with any students.
  • Village leaders said they do not condone the actions and stated it is not their policy to conduct operations outside their jurisdiction two counties away.
  • ICE said it does not target schools for enforcement in this matter, and the CPS board set a closed security meeting as Cincinnati leaders called for accountability.