Dec 16‑21, 2025 – The Department of Homeland Security conducts a week‑long sweep in Ohio, arresting more than 280 people; ICE frames the operation as a public‑safety effort, while Mayor Andrew Ginther pledges the city will not use municipal resources for ICE enforcement unless a crime occurs, and Police Chief Elaine Bryant says CPD will investigate only when there is evidence of criminal conduct [2].

Dec 18, 2025 – Columbus officials release a public‑safety video stating the city is “safe” with a 35 % drop in homicides from the prior year and confirming CPD will not investigate residents solely based on immigration status, emphasizing that officers will act only on criminal evidence [9].

Dec 18, 2025 – At a press briefing, Mayor Ginther declares the city will not assist ICE with city resources unless criminal activity is involved, and City Council Member Lourdes Barroso de Padilla notes the timing appears deliberate as the holiday season approaches [8].

Dec 19, 2025 – ICE issues a statement that “ICE officers continue to arrest criminal illegal aliens and immigration violators in the city of Columbus, across Ohio, and throughout the United States,” reporting at least two arrests that week [6].

Dec 19, 2025 – Protesters gather outside an ICE building in Westerville and at World Language Middle School, with Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno asserting “the law should be enforced, rewarding those who come legally and expelling those who came illegally” [7].

Dec 20, 2025 – Community rallies across Columbus host food drives and rights workshops; Rep. Ismail Mohamed says residents are “scared,” while Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey describes “fear, agitation, and anger” among immigrant families, as ICE confirms ongoing nationwide arrests including in Columbus [5].

Dec 22, 2025 – Demonstrators march in Westerville chanting “ICE out of Columbus”; Mayor Ginther calls the federal presence an “unwelcomed intervention,” underscoring local opposition to the enforcement actions [4].

Dec 23, 2025 – ICE launches “Operation Buckeye” in Columbus, prompting immigrant‑owned businesses on Morse Road to report empty storefronts and shift to online sales, with owner Ayaan Ahmed noting “online shopping has become a lifeline” for her mother’s store [3].

Jan 9, 2026 – DHS confirms the December sweep arrested over 280 individuals, many convicted of violent or drug offenses; Mayor Ginther reiterates the city will not aid ICE absent criminal activity, and CPD maintains its policy of not probing immigration status [2].

Feb 18, 2026 – Columbus City Council holds a packed hearing on ICE‑restriction proposals that would bar ICE from city facilities without a warrant, create a digital violations repository, and require council sign‑off on police‑ICE collaborations; Council President Shannon Hardin stresses home‑rule authority while acknowledging limits, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost dismisses the measures as “as legally enforceable as the media advisory” [1].

Feb 24, 2026 (planned) – The council schedules a vote on select ICE‑restriction items, moving the proposals toward potential enactment pending further public input [1].