Butler County Immigrants Beware!

Butler County Sheriff, Rick Jones, has again grabbed front-page attention in the local media for his latest attack on the immigrant population of Butler County. No longer content to simply enforce Ohio law, Mr. Jones now wants to be in charge of deporting people as well.

As reported by the Cincinnati Enquirer, Sheriff Jones recently had eight of his deputies trained by the federal government so that they can initiate deportation proceedings against people who Sheriff Jones suspect may be illegal aliens. After a training program of just a few short weeks (paid for by taxpayers), these deputies may now attempt to initiate deportation proceedings against anyone in the Butler County Jail at Sheriff Jones's direction. This new power means that immigrants in Butler County could face the possibility of deportation proceedings after being charged with nothing more than a speeding ticket.

Sheriff Jones says he has no intention of taking such actions over minor offenses “just yet.” However, that does not appear to be true. Every day, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents call the Butler County authorities to ask whether they should come to process anyone for deportation. Where is the office for Butler County ICE agents? In Sheriff Jones's backyard - the old Butler County Jail.

Now, more than ever, immigrants charged with crimes in Butler County need skilled legal representation to help them through difficult situations like this. If you or someone you know is in trouble, please feel free to call Mark Godbey and Associates at (513) 241-6650. We offer a FREE consultation to discuss the case in detail, quote fees, and advise you about the best way to handle your situation. Then you can decide if you would like us to help you. We have an attorney who is fluent in Spanish if you need translation help and we offer weekend and evening appointments at offices conveniently located in both West Chester and Cincinnati.

Blake P. Somers, Attorney at Law
Mark E. Godbey & Associates
708 Walnut Street, Suite 600
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(513) 241 - 6650 phone
(513) 241 - 6649 fax

Immigration issues on the rise in Cincinnati

It seems like the word “immigration” is on the tip of everyone’s tongue these days in Cincinnati, Ohio. No matter which side of the debate you stand on, one thing is clear: immigration topics are hotter than the recent weather.

One need look no further than the pages of our local newspaper. The Enquirer has recently dedicated numerous front pages of its Sunday edition to reporting on immigration issues. First, the Enquirer followed the story of Maha Dakar, a Palestinian immigrant and mother of four, who is facing deportation to Jordan in October. (For more on her story, click here.)

More recently, The Enquirer offered an objective overview of the U.S. immigration system. The Enquirer found that the U.S. immigration system is so complex, and so difficult to correctly navigate, that it is almost “universally described as broken.” (For more on this report, click here.)

If you or someone you know needs help navigating through this difficult system, call us today for a free consultation. We have experienced, licensed attorneys who can help you through the immigration “maze” and we would be happy to answer any of your questions.

Blake Somers, Attorney at Law
Mark E. Godbey & Associates
708 Walnut Street, Suite 600
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(513) 241 - 6650 phone
(513) 241 - 6649 fax