"I'm trying to get legislation passed in Ohio, through our State Representative Corky Combs, get legislation passed to where I have the authority, and local law enforcement does in Ohio, to arrest someone who is trespassing in the United States here in Ohio and put them in our jail, from there, they could be deported."
Immigration policy and enforcement is constitutionally a federal responsibility.
From the beginning, however, Sheriff Jones has sought a role for his department and a year ago was granted some authority to enforce immigration laws.
On September 11th, Representative Courtney Combs introduced legislation, House Bill 308, into the Ohio House of Representatives.
If enacted, House Bill 308 will require companies bidding on state contracts to participate in a federal program to verify workers' citizenship or immigration status.
And, it would make it against the law to transport or harbor illegal immigrants, and restrict college benefits, public assistance and driver's license privileges for those in the country illegally.
We turn now to those legal issues.
