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Gratis Police Chief Fired After Visiting Cincinnati Schools Claiming ICE Authority

The council acted after an internal report found no signed ICE agreement authorizing the out-of-jurisdiction school checks.

Overview

  • The Village of Gratis council voted 4-2 Thursday to remove Chief Tonina Lamanna from her post following the investigation.
  • Lamanna and Officer Jeffrey Baylor drove to three Cincinnati Public Schools last month saying they were conducting ICE-linked “wellness checks,” and school staff refused to let them interact with students because no warrants or paperwork were shown.
  • ICE officials requested Lamanna’s credentials after the school visits, both officers were placed on administrative leave, and Baylor resigned about a week after the incident.
  • An internal employee investigative report accused Lamanna of broader leadership failings, including not addressing repeated complaints about Baylor, mismanagement of the department’s property room, and unjustified stops and detainments.
  • The village suspended participation in the 287(g) program that partners local police with ICE and now faces decisions about staffing and oversight as the five-officer department operates with a reduced roster.