GREENVILLE – Sheriff Mark Whittaker spent a recent evening explaining the Darke County Sheriff’s role in immigration.
The evening was presented by the Darke County Republican Women’s Club (DCRWC) as an educational public service event. It was held at the Radiant Lighthouse Church. DCRWC President Delores Ely opened the event with a welcome and explanation of the ground rules for the evening. Pastor Hershel Fee gave the prayer and Ben Thaeler, from Representative Warren Davidson’s office, led the Pledge of Allegiance. DCRWC First Vice President Lyn Bliss introduced Sheriff Whittaker.
Whittaker explained that his grandmother was a legal immigrant who came to the United States as a war bride after World War Two. He gave a brief history of immigration in the United States, stating it was considered even before the Constitution was adopted. Immigration control is put in place for the safety and well-being of the country’s citizens.
He started the presentation by explaining that immigration is governed by Title 8 of the United States Code, where the process to become a citizen is enumerated. He went further by stating that he and his office are not a formal part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, his office needs to know the immigration status of county residents in order to keep the peace and protect its residents.
Whittaker stated that he can enforce the federal immigration laws, but his authority is very limited. A person must be in his custody through a law infringement before he can check citizenship. If an illegal immigrant is identified, the sheriff’s office then notifies the local ICE office in Cincinnati.
When ICE agents are planning to enter Darke County, Whittaker is informed prior to arrival and upon departure.
The Sheriff identified a new program, which would be a memorandum of understanding between his office and ICE. This is in early development and has been adopted by very few counties in Ohio. A better understanding of the rules and requirements is being pursued prior to proceeding. It should be noted that this new program has not yet withstood challenges in the court system.
There is an ICE agent serving this area. His job is to carry out President Trump’s orders regarding deportation. The second phase of the ICE agent’s responsibility will be to work with employers on employment immigration laws.
