Franklin County is home to families from every corner of the world—neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones who contribute to the strength of our community every single day. Yet right now, a policy inside our county jails is putting that trust at risk.

For years, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has asked every detainee where they were born and proactively notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about anyone born outside the United States—even people who may be U.S. citizens or have legal immigration status. According to immigration attorneys, this level of cooperation is not required by law. And in some cases, individuals have reportedly been held longer than their release time so ICE can take custody.

This policy doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts entire families. Parents, workers, and community members can be swept into an immigration system over minor infractions, creating fear and instability that reaches far beyond jail walls.

Local leaders, including Columbus city officials and members of the community, have raised concerns. They’ve made clear that local resources should not be used to carry out federal immigration enforcement—especially when it goes beyond what the law requires.

Sheriff Baldwin, you have the authority to change this.

We are calling on you to immediately end the blanket policy of notifying ICE about all foreign-born detainees and to ensure that no one is held past their lawful release time for immigration enforcement purposes. Franklin County should prioritize fairness, public safety, and the dignity of every resident—not policies that create fear and division.

We also urge the Franklin County Board of Commissioners to use their oversight and funding authority to support policies that reflect the county’s stated commitment to being a welcoming and respectful community.

This is about trust. It’s about keeping families together. And it’s about ensuring that our local systems treat everyone with fairness and humanity.

Sign this petition to stand for a Franklin County where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.