(COLUMBUS) - Ohio correctional facilities took in more than $13.2 million last year from federal immigration detention contracts, according to newly reviewed jail payment records.
The ACLU of Ohio says records show at least six facilities each received more than $1 million through agreements to house immigration detainees, including Butler County, the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio, Geauga County, Mahoning County, Northeast Ohio and Seneca County.
Daily payments ranged from $68 to $125 per detainee, covering housing, meals and transportation costs.
Some facilities reported taking in more than their actual daily detention costs, creating additional revenue through the federal contracts. The ACLU says the average per-diem rate statewide is about $108.77.
The agreements include a mix of jail bed contracts, transport services and 287(g) partnerships, which allow local agencies to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Butler County received nearly half of the total payments, continuing to serve as a major holding site for immigration detainees in Ohio.
Supporters of the contracts say the agreements help keep people with criminal records off the streets, while critics note many detainees are being held on civil immigration matters and have not been charged with crimes.
The detention contracts remain active into 2026, ensuring federal immigration detainees continue to be housed in local Ohio jails.