Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

HAMILTON — The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio has pledged to act as watchdog of Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones in the wake of his announcement Wednesday that he is in the process of gaining federal immigration law enforcement powers.

Although Jones claimed earlier this week to have the ability to enforce those laws, that authority is contingent on local deputies being trained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Custom Enforcement Office and the execution of a document that would outline those powers and how local police are to work under the supervision of ICE, department officials said.

The ACLU has requested copies of the agreement from both the sheriff's office and ICE.

"Sheriff Jones has already demonstrated hostility towards the Hispanic population in Butler County," ACLU of Ohio Staff Attorney Carrie Davis said in a statement. "It is important to review the document and discern what he can and cannot do under this agreement and ensure he stays within those boundaries."

Davis criticized the erection earlier this year of billboards around the county featuring Jones threatening local businesses that hire illegal immigrants and his detention of 18 suspected illegal immigrants in May after an altercation at a construction site near Seven Mile.

"While the people must always carefully monitor the actions of their government officials, that oversight is especially important here, given the sheriff's apparently single-minded fixation on illegal immigrants, his demonstrated willingness to push the boundaries of his authority and the law in this regard, and the potential for abuse of any authority the agreement grants him," Davis said.

Jones on Thursday said only that the ACLU is requesting documents that do not exist and declined to address their criticisms.

As of Wednesday, ICE has signed eight such agreements with local and state law enforcement agencies with 30 others, including Butler County, in the works.

Neighboring officials in Warren County also expressed concern Thursday, but of a different nature. They fear an influx of illegal immigrants if Butler County becomes too inhospitable.

Warren County Commissioners Mike Kilburn, Pat South and Dave Young agreed Thursday to pursue the same powers and will begin the process with its county prosecutor and

sheriff.

"We've moved the ball and the ball is rolling," Commissioner Mike Kilburn said.

Kilburn added that he thinks it's ridiculous that wanting to enforce laws is often criticized as mean-spirited or racist.

"Look, this is the United States of America. We welcome immigrants. We welcome people from other countries who want to come here. But we expect them to do it legally," he said. "Folks that are here illegally are going to be escorted out."

Middletown Journal editor Jen Roppel contributed to this report.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2025 or cdumond@coxohio.com.