Event Researched

Operation Buckeye — ICE mass arrests in Ohio, 280+ detained

Franklin · OH · FIPS 39049

Overview

ICE launched “Operation Buckeye” on December 16, 2025, a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Columbus and across Ohio. Over 280 people were arrested in one week (Dec 16-21), making it the largest ICE operation in Ohio during Trump’s second term. DHS touted the operation as targeting “the worst of the worst,” but Ohio Immigrant Alliance data showed less than 7% of those arrested had criminal records, and two U.S. citizens (from Puerto Rico) were wrongly detained.

Key Details

Duration: December 16-21, 2025
Scale: 280+ arrests statewide; 214+ in Columbus area alone
Demographics: 93% men, 80% Latino
Criminal record rate: Less than 7% had criminal convictions (fewer than each of the three months prior)
U.S. citizens detained: Two Puerto Rican U.S. citizens plus a Mexican immigrant with valid work permit detained at hotel near Easton Town Center on Dec 17
Afghan targeting: Reports of operation targeting Afghan refugees who entered through legal CBP One program
Detention site: Nearly all detainees held at Butler County Jail in Hamilton
Protests: Vigils and protests in Columbus, Dayton (300 people), Toledo (100 people), Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Stow
Student walkouts: Central Ohio high school students protested ICE, teacher unions condemned ICE activity near schools (Jan 2026)
Follow-up shooting: ICE shooting incident in Ohio in early January 2026, sparking additional protests

Sources

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Other signals in this county

Columbus Holdroom — Franklin, OH

IGSA detention facility in Franklin, OH.

Farber Specialty Vehicles, INC — ICE Franklin, OH $530,318

Federal contract awarded to FARBER SPECIALTY VEHICLES, INC in OH ($530,318.00).

Franklin County, OH