By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Corrections Commission of Northwest Ohio (CCNO) voted Wednesday to maintain its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following discussion during its regularly scheduled meeting.
The agreement, which allows the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio to house federal immigration detainees, has been in place for approximately one year. During that time, jail officials reported the facility generated approximately $2.1 million in additional revenue from the contract. Board members noted it was the largest annual financial gain in the facility’s history.
The contract permits CCNO to house more than 50 ICE detainees at a time. According to recent operational data, the facility was housing 46 ICE detainees as of mid-December, with a total inmate population of 513, of which 278 were from member counties.
Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken requested the board add discussion of the ICE contract to the agenda. He later made a motion to terminate the agreement within the 30-day legal period. The motion did not receive a second and therefore failed.
Gerken also raised questions regarding transparency of detainee information, including the availability of charge details and the geographic origin of some individuals transferred to CCNO from other jurisdictions.
Nine individuals addressed the board during public participation. Speakers represented community groups and advocacy organizations and discussed concerns related to federal immigration enforcement, economic impacts, and the role of the jail in housing civil immigration detainees.
During the financial report, officials confirmed the additional revenue from the ICE agreement contributed to overall surplus funds. Board members previously approved the use of $800,000 in unused funds to reduce employee health insurance costs. The additional revenue also contributed to lowering the per diem rate charged to member counties.
Gerken also raised questions regarding the inmate trust fund and suggested consideration of hiring translators for certain detainees. Other board members cautioned against making assertions regarding compliance with state law without specific examples.
In prior meetings, Lucas County Sheriff Mike Navarre had voted against continuing the ICE contract. During Wednesday’s meeting, his proxy did not speak when the matter was raised.
Following the failed motion to terminate the agreement, no further action was taken. Jail leadership stated the contract remains in effect and is subject to review as part of future budget discussions. Officials indicated a formal budget renewal opportunity will occur in 2028.