HAMILTON, Ohio (NewsNation) — Butler County Sheriff Rick Jones has reignited his aggressive immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration, housing thousands of immigrants in the U.S. illegally and sparking protests over treatment concerns.
Jones reinstated his 287(g) partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this year after shutting down the federal contract in 2021 during the Biden administration.
The agreement allows ICE to detain immigrants at the county’s 1,200-bed jail and authorizes 20 of Jones’ deputies to help carry out immigration arrests despite not being federal agents.
Since President Donald Trump’s return to office in January, Jones said his facility has housed 2,000 migrants and helped deport 1,600. The county receives $105 per inmate daily, generating nearly $9 million in revenue over the past eight months.
The six-term sheriff, known for his cowboy hat and outspoken personality, has enforced immigration policies for more than two decades across multiple administrations.
He maintains 400 beds designated specifically for ICE detainees, with immigrants transported from other states.
“It sends a message,” Jones said. “If you come here illegally, don’t come to this county.”
Regular protests cite inhumane treatment; sheriff dismisses critics
The partnership has drawn regular protests outside the sheriff’s office, with demonstrators calling the treatment of immigrants inhumane. Some residents have launched petition campaigns and chained themselves to doors in opposition.
When confronted with concerns about racial profiling, Jones dismissed the criticism bluntly.
“That’s the same thing they always say. Racist. Bigots. I have one word for that: h——–,” he said.
Jones has become a social media presence, posting AI-generated videos and styling himself as “Jones the Bounty Hunter.” ICE has featured him in videos on the U.S. government’s YouTube channel, where he boasts of making “a dent in the illegals.”
While some constituents say his antics embarrass the community, others credit Jones with reducing crime and drugs in downtown areas. Butler County resident Scott Reinhard said Jones “has made a stand” despite making enemies.
The sheriff, who holds a master’s degree from Xavier University, said he remains unbothered by criticism and plans to continue his enforcement approach.
“I’ve seen a lot of other elected people come and go,” Jones said. “I’m still here.”