Suburban grandmas protest ICE contract in Trump-voting Ohio county

It was a crisp autumn morning in Delaware County, Ohio. The air, thick with the smell of burning leaves, carried the faint sound of chanting. Not the usual Friday morning soundtrack for this typically quiet, Republican-leaning community. A small but determined group, mostly women of a certain age, stood outside the county commissioners’ office, holding signs that read “No ICE in Our Backyard” and “Families Belong Together.” This wasn’t a group you’d expect to find protesting anything, let alone a controversial ICE contract. They were, by all appearances, suburban grandmas – the kind who bake cookies for the neighborhood kids and volunteer at the local library. But today, they were on a mission. (I saw one woman who looked like she should be heading to a bridge game, not a protest!) The target of their ire? The county’s contract with the GEO Group, a private prison company, to house ICE detainees in a facility within the county. The fact that this was happening in a county that overwhelmingly voted for Trump in the last election made it all the more surprising, even shocking. It challenges preconceived notions and paints a more nuanced picture of American politics.

The genesis of this unlikely alliance began months ago, when rumors started circulating about the ICE contract. A few concerned citizens, spurred by news reports of inhumane conditions in other detention centers, started digging. They attended county meetings, filed public records requests, and organized online. What they found fueled their outrage: a multi-million dollar deal that would effectively turn their county into a cog in the national immigration enforcement machine. And these weren’t professional activists; these were ordinary people, mostly retirees, who felt a moral obligation to speak out. Their fight highlights the complexities of immigration policy and its impact on even the most unexpected corners of the country.

Their initial efforts were met with resistance, indifference even, from some local officials and residents. After all, the narrative went, this was a conservative community that supported law enforcement and border security. Why would they care about the plight of undocumented immigrants? But the grandmas persisted. They knew that behind the political rhetoric were real people, families torn apart, and basic human rights at stake. They started sharing stories, organizing informational sessions, and reaching out to anyone who would listen. And slowly, but surely, they began to change the conversation. (I have to admit, their persistence is pretty impressive, wouldn’t you agree?)

“We’re not politicians,” said Martha, a retired schoolteacher and one of the protest organizers. “We’re just concerned citizens who believe that this ICE contract goes against our values. We don’t want our county profiting from the suffering of others.” Martha’s sentiment is echoed by many in the group, who feel that the contract is not only morally wrong but also economically unsound, potentially draining local resources and creating a climate of fear and division. The protest took place against the backdrop of a broader national debate about immigration policy and the role of private companies in immigration enforcement. The GEO Group, like other private prison companies, has faced criticism for its track record on human rights and its lobbying efforts to maintain high levels of incarceration and detention.

The Delaware County Commissioners, however, have defended the ICE contract, arguing that it brings jobs and revenue to the county. They also maintain that the detention center provides a safe and humane environment for detainees awaiting deportation. “This is a difficult issue,” said Commissioner Jeff Benton in a statement. “We understand the concerns of some residents, but we believe that this contract is in the best interest of the county as a whole.” (I wonder if he really believes that, or if it’s just political spin?)

The grandmas, however, aren’t buying it. They point to reports of overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and due process violations in other GEO Group facilities. They also question the economic benefits of the contract, arguing that the jobs it creates are low-paying and often filled by out-of-state workers. “They’re not creating jobs for our community,” said Susan, another protest organizer. “They’re just exploiting vulnerable people for profit.”

The Backstory: How the Contract Came to Be

The ICE contract in Delaware County didn’t appear overnight. It was the result of a complex series of negotiations and political decisions that spanned several years. Understanding the backstory is crucial to understanding the current controversy.

Initial Discussions and Proposals

The initial discussions about building a detention center in Delaware County began in early 2022. The GEO Group approached county officials with a proposal to construct a facility that could house up to 1,000 ICE detainees. The company argued that the facility would address a growing need for detention space and would provide a significant economic boost to the county.

County Commissioners’ Approval

After several months of deliberations, the county commissioners voted to approve the project. The decision was met with little public opposition at the time, as many residents were unaware of the details of the ICE contract. The commissioners emphasized the potential economic benefits of the project, including the creation of new jobs and increased tax revenue.

The Contract Details

The contract between Delaware County and the GEO Group stipulates that the county will lease the land to the company for a nominal fee. The GEO Group will then build and operate the detention center, receiving per diem payments from ICE for each detainee housed at the facility. The contract also includes provisions for the county to receive a percentage of the revenue generated by the detention center.

The Protests: A Growing Movement

The protests against the ICE contract started small, but they have steadily grown in size and intensity over the past few months. The grandmas have been joined by students, clergy members, and other community activists who share their concerns about the moral and economic implications of the contract.

Organizing Strategies

The protest organizers have employed a variety of strategies to raise awareness and pressure the county commissioners to reconsider the ICE contract. These strategies include:

• Holding weekly protests outside the county commissioners’ office
• Organizing informational sessions and community forums
• Circulating petitions and collecting signatures
• Contacting local media outlets and sharing their stories
• Reaching out to elected officials at the state and federal levels

Community Response

The protests have sparked a heated debate within the community. Supporters of the ICE contract argue that it is necessary for national security and that it brings much-needed jobs to the county. Opponents argue that it is immoral, inhumane, and economically unsustainable.

The debate has been particularly divisive within the Republican Party, with some members supporting the ICE contract and others opposing it. This division reflects the broader tensions within the party over immigration policy and the role of government.

Legal Challenges

In addition to the protests, there have been legal challenges to the ICE contract. A group of local attorneys has filed a lawsuit arguing that the contract violates state and federal laws. The lawsuit alleges that the contract was approved without adequate public input and that it discriminates against immigrants.

The Impact: What’s at Stake?

The controversy surrounding the ICE contract has had a significant impact on Delaware County. It has divided the community, strained relationships between residents and elected officials, and raised fundamental questions about the county’s values.

Economic Considerations

The economic implications of the ICE contract are complex and contested. Supporters argue that it will bring jobs and revenue to the county, while opponents argue that it will drain local resources and create a climate of fear and division.

The exact economic impact of the contract will depend on a number of factors, including the number of detainees housed at the facility, the per diem rate paid by ICE, and the amount of revenue that the county receives. However, even under the most optimistic scenarios, the economic benefits of the contract are likely to be modest.

Moral and Ethical Concerns

The moral and ethical concerns surrounding the ICE contract are even more significant. Opponents argue that it is wrong to profit from the suffering of others and that the contract contributes to the inhumane treatment of immigrants. They also argue that the contract undermines the county’s commitment to justice and equality.

These concerns are particularly acute in a county that prides itself on its values of community, compassion, and fairness. The ICE contract challenges these values and forces residents to confront difficult questions about their own complicity in the national immigration enforcement system.

Political Implications

The controversy surrounding the ICE contract has also had significant political implications. It has energized local activists, exposed divisions within the Republican Party, and raised the profile of immigration policy in a traditionally conservative community.

The long-term political impact of the controversy remains to be seen. However, it is clear that the grandmas’ protest has already changed the political landscape in Delaware County. They have demonstrated the power of grassroots activism and shown that even in a Trump-voting county, there is room for dissent and resistance.

The Future: What’s Next?

The future of the ICE contract in Delaware County is uncertain. The protests are ongoing, the legal challenges are pending, and the political debate continues to rage.

Possible Outcomes

Several outcomes are possible:

1. The county commissioners could reconsider the contract and vote to terminate it.
2. The courts could rule against the contract, finding that it violates state or federal laws.
3. The protests could continue indefinitely, keeping the pressure on elected officials and raising awareness of the issue.
4. The contract could remain in place, despite the opposition, and the detention center could continue to operate.

The Grandmas’ Determination

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the grandmas of Delaware County are not giving up. They are determined to fight for what they believe is right, even if it means going against the grain and challenging the political establishment. Their activism serves as an inspiration to others and a reminder that even ordinary people can make a difference. It shows us that age is just a number and that standing up for your principles is always worthwhile.

The scene outside the commissioners’ office that crisp autumn morning was more than just a protest; it was a symbol of hope, a testament to the power of conscience, and a reminder that even in the most unlikely of places, change is possible. (And, honestly, it was just plain inspiring to watch!)

The fight in Delaware County underscores a growing trend across the nation: local communities grappling with the ethical and practical implications of federal immigration policies. It’s a complex issue with no easy answers, but one thing is certain: the voices of these suburban grandmas, and others like them, will continue to be heard.