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What We Know About the Recent ICE Raids in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

What We Know About the Recent ICE Raids in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Sandy Staggs

In recent days, several reports have surfaced of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids taking place in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The raids have caused alarm within local immigrant communities, as well as concern among advocacy groups about the potential impact on families and businesses in the region. As details continue to emerge, here’s what we’ve been able to confirm so far regarding the ICE operations in these areas.

ICE Raids Confirmed in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

According to multiple sources, ICE agents have conducted targeted operations in the Cincinnati area and parts of Northern Kentucky. The raids, which took place over the past week, have primarily focused on individuals suspected of being in the United States without legal documentation. ICE has confirmed the presence of its agents in the region, although the agency has not yet disclosed the exact number of arrests made during these operations.

Local law enforcement has reportedly assisted ICE in carrying out the raids, though the extent of their involvement remains unclear. The operations have raised questions about collaboration between federal immigration authorities and local agencies, which has been a contentious issue in many parts of the country.

Impact on Local Communities

The raids have had a significant impact on immigrant communities in both Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Immigrant advocacy groups have expressed deep concern over the emotional and psychological toll the operations have had on families. Many individuals living in these areas are fearful of deportation, and the raids have heightened their anxiety, particularly among those without legal status.

Washington State's ambitious $45 million Electric Vehicle (EV) Instant Rebate Program, aimed at making EVs more affordable and reducing carbon emissions, has been criticized for not meeting expectations. A recent policy brief by the Washington Policy Center (WPC) revealed that the program did not deliver the promised environmental benefits or provide much assistance to middle-income earners. The program, which was launched by the Washington State Department of Commerce, promised up to $9,000 off the lease of a new EV for low-income drivers. The state claimed that this rebate would make EV leases affordable, potentially bringing payments down to under $200 per month – far below the average $700 monthly payment for a gas-powered vehicle. However, after analyzing vehicle registration data for the two-and-a-half months the program was active, experts concluded that the program fell short of its goals. Failure to Meet Expectations Todd Myers, Vice President for Research at WPC, expressed disappointment with the outcome during an interview with The Center Square. He explained that the program was expected to increase sales of EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles by about 8,700 units. In reality, it achieved only half of that target, with only around 4,800 vehicles sold through the rebate program. Myers pointed out that the environmental impact was minimal, saying, “For $45 million, we reduced emissions by just 0.03%. That’s virtually nothing for taxpayer money.” Despite the high cost of the program, the actual CO2 emissions reduction was almost negligible. Program Favors Higher-Income Earners One of the program's main goals was to provide assistance to low- and middle-income residents, making EVs accessible to those who traditionally struggle to afford them. However, data revealed that this was not the case. Before the rebates were introduced in August, the average income of individuals buying cars in the participating ZIP codes was around $122,000. After the program started, this dropped slightly to $118,000, indicating that the rebates were largely claimed by individuals with relatively high incomes. “The same people who were buying electric vehicles before the subsidies were still the ones purchasing them during the rebate period,” Myers said. “They’re certainly not poor.” Unintended Beneficiaries: Wealthy Buyers The WPC report highlighted that the rebate program disproportionately benefited wealthier buyers, particularly those purchasing popular models like the Tesla Model 3. Tesla sales more than doubled during the subsidy period compared to 2024 sales before the rebates. For example, buyers could receive $9,000 from Washington State, and an additional $7,500 from the federal government, totaling $16,500 in taxpayer-funded subsidies. While these subsidies may have made EVs more affordable for some buyers, they did not help to significantly shift the market toward low-income individuals. Myers called this outcome a waste of taxpayer money, especially considering that the program fell far short of its environmental goals. A Step Backward for Environmental Goals? The WPC’s analysis also pointed out that while the EV market in Washington State did see growth, it wasn't as significant as hoped. By October, EVs and plug-in hybrids accounted for just 21.8% of new vehicle sales in Washington, a slight increase over the 2023 level of 20.5%. This falls well short of the 35% target for 2026. Andrew Wineke, Deputy Communications Director for the Washington Department of Ecology, defended the program, pointing out that Washington is a national leader in the transition to clean vehicles. He noted that more than 200,000 zero-emission vehicles are now on the road in the state, with a 30% increase in sales over the past year. Wineke further stated that the rebates are just one tool in a larger strategy to accelerate the adoption of clean vehicles. The state's zero-emission vehicle regulations are expected to continue driving progress toward their long-term targets. What’s Next for EV Programs in Washington? Despite the program's shortcomings, Governor Jay Inslee's outgoing budget proposal included a request for an additional $82 million to extend and expand the EV rebate program for the current biennium. The question remains whether the new administration, under Gov. Bob Ferguson, will continue this initiative. The Center Square reached out to Gov. Ferguson's office for comment, but no response was received at the time of publication. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Washington will adjust its strategy to meet the state’s environmental and economic goals.
Washington State’s ambitious $45 million Electric Vehicle (EV) Instant Rebate Program, aimed at making EVs more affordable and reducing carbon emissions, has been criticized for not meeting expectations. A recent policy brief by the Washington Policy Center (WPC) revealed that the program did not deliver the promised environmental benefits or provide much assistance to middle-income earners.

One of the biggest concerns raised by community leaders is the potential separation of families. Some residents fear that if individuals are detained, their children—many of whom are U.S. citizens—could be left behind without a primary caregiver. Local churches and community organizations have rallied around immigrant families, offering resources and support for those affected by the raids.

Additionally, the raids have prompted concerns about their economic impact. Some local businesses in Northern Kentucky, particularly those in industries that rely on immigrant labor, have experienced disruptions as employees were detained or fled for fear of being targeted. Advocates argue that the raids could hurt the local economy, especially in areas where immigrant workers play a critical role.

What ICE is Saying About the Raids

ICE officials have defended the raids as part of their ongoing efforts to enforce U.S. immigration laws and target individuals who have been identified as immigration violators. The agency has stated that the operations were focused on those with outstanding deportation orders or those who had been convicted of crimes. ICE typically prioritizes individuals with criminal backgrounds or those who pose a threat to public safety, although many immigration advocates argue that these raids often indiscriminately target vulnerable populations.

ICE has also claimed that these raids are a necessary tool to maintain the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, asserting that individuals who are in the country illegally should face consequences, including deportation. However, critics argue that these operations are disruptive to communities and do not address the broader issues within the immigration system, such as the backlog of cases in immigration courts.

Washington State's ambitious $45 million Electric Vehicle (EV) Instant Rebate Program, aimed at making EVs more affordable and reducing carbon emissions, has been criticized for not meeting expectations. A recent policy brief by the Washington Policy Center (WPC) revealed that the program did not deliver the promised environmental benefits or provide much assistance to middle-income earners. The program, which was launched by the Washington State Department of Commerce, promised up to $9,000 off the lease of a new EV for low-income drivers. The state claimed that this rebate would make EV leases affordable, potentially bringing payments down to under $200 per month – far below the average $700 monthly payment for a gas-powered vehicle. However, after analyzing vehicle registration data for the two-and-a-half months the program was active, experts concluded that the program fell short of its goals. Failure to Meet Expectations Todd Myers, Vice President for Research at WPC, expressed disappointment with the outcome during an interview with The Center Square. He explained that the program was expected to increase sales of EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles by about 8,700 units. In reality, it achieved only half of that target, with only around 4,800 vehicles sold through the rebate program. Myers pointed out that the environmental impact was minimal, saying, “For $45 million, we reduced emissions by just 0.03%. That’s virtually nothing for taxpayer money.” Despite the high cost of the program, the actual CO2 emissions reduction was almost negligible. Program Favors Higher-Income Earners One of the program's main goals was to provide assistance to low- and middle-income residents, making EVs accessible to those who traditionally struggle to afford them. However, data revealed that this was not the case. Before the rebates were introduced in August, the average income of individuals buying cars in the participating ZIP codes was around $122,000. After the program started, this dropped slightly to $118,000, indicating that the rebates were largely claimed by individuals with relatively high incomes. “The same people who were buying electric vehicles before the subsidies were still the ones purchasing them during the rebate period,” Myers said. “They’re certainly not poor.” Unintended Beneficiaries: Wealthy Buyers The WPC report highlighted that the rebate program disproportionately benefited wealthier buyers, particularly those purchasing popular models like the Tesla Model 3. Tesla sales more than doubled during the subsidy period compared to 2024 sales before the rebates. For example, buyers could receive $9,000 from Washington State, and an additional $7,500 from the federal government, totaling $16,500 in taxpayer-funded subsidies. While these subsidies may have made EVs more affordable for some buyers, they did not help to significantly shift the market toward low-income individuals. Myers called this outcome a waste of taxpayer money, especially considering that the program fell far short of its environmental goals. A Step Backward for Environmental Goals? The WPC’s analysis also pointed out that while the EV market in Washington State did see growth, it wasn't as significant as hoped. By October, EVs and plug-in hybrids accounted for just 21.8% of new vehicle sales in Washington, a slight increase over the 2023 level of 20.5%. This falls well short of the 35% target for 2026. Andrew Wineke, Deputy Communications Director for the Washington Department of Ecology, defended the program, pointing out that Washington is a national leader in the transition to clean vehicles. He noted that more than 200,000 zero-emission vehicles are now on the road in the state, with a 30% increase in sales over the past year. Wineke further stated that the rebates are just one tool in a larger strategy to accelerate the adoption of clean vehicles. The state's zero-emission vehicle regulations are expected to continue driving progress toward their long-term targets. What’s Next for EV Programs in Washington? Despite the program's shortcomings, Governor Jay Inslee's outgoing budget proposal included a request for an additional $82 million to extend and expand the EV rebate program for the current biennium. The question remains whether the new administration, under Gov. Bob Ferguson, will continue this initiative. The Center Square reached out to Gov. Ferguson's office for comment, but no response was received at the time of publication. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Washington will adjust its strategy to meet the state’s environmental and economic goals.
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Local Government Responses

Local leaders in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky have voiced their concerns about the impact of the raids on their communities. Some local officials have called for greater transparency from ICE regarding the operations and have pushed for additional protections for immigrant residents.

In response to the raids, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval emphasized the importance of protecting immigrants and creating an inclusive community. He has called on local law enforcement to refrain from participating in ICE activities and to instead focus on community policing efforts that build trust with residents. Other local lawmakers have joined the call for sanctuary city policies, which would limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agencies.

Conclusion: What’s Next for the Region?

As the details of the ICE raids in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky continue to unfold, the situation remains fluid. Advocacy groups are working to support individuals impacted by the raids, providing legal assistance and resources to those at risk of detention or deportation. Meanwhile, local officials are grappling with the balance between complying with federal immigration enforcement and protecting the rights and well-being of immigrant residents.

The controversy surrounding these raids highlights the ongoing debate about immigration enforcement and the role of local governments in assisting or resisting federal efforts. With community leaders advocating for more protections for immigrants, it remains to be seen how the region will respond to future ICE operations.

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For more on ICE operations and immigration laws, visit American Civil Liberties Union.

Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.

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