More than 20 undocumented immigrants have been deported from Lorain County since the beginning of 2025, according to the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office. The removals followed a series of arrests connected to labor, drug, and sex trafficking cases investigated by local authorities.
The figures were shared publicly during a county commissioners meeting on June 3, where Sheriff Jack Hall addressed recent confusion surrounding the county’s immigration enforcement practices. The discussion was prompted by the county’s unexpected inclusion on a federal list of so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions,” which the sheriff’s office and commissioners have denied.
Sheriff Hall stated that the individuals flagged for deportation were not targeted based on immigration status alone, but were apprehended during criminal investigations. Many of the arrests occurred near major traffic corridors, including Interstate 90 and surrounding state routes. Once taken into custody, the individuals were referred to federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol.
According to the sheriff, federal partners responded promptly to local requests for assistance. In most cases, agents arrived within a half hour to take custody of the individuals identified for removal. Hall emphasized that the sheriff’s office does not have the authority to enforce immigration law independently and relies on coordination with federal agencies for such matters.
In total, the office reported contacting federal immigration officials in 22 cases involving undocumented individuals since the start of the year.
The deportations were part of broader enforcement efforts connected to criminal activity in the region. Local authorities have continued to work alongside federal partners to address trafficking and other offenses, particularly in areas where highways intersect and illicit activity is more likely to be detected.
County commissioners responded to the recent misinformation by passing a formal resolution reaffirming their support for legal immigration and clarifying that Lorain County is not a sanctuary jurisdiction. The county has also retained its eligibility for federal law enforcement funding, which officials say supports ongoing cooperation with national agencies.