Ohio State Representative Ismail Mohamed, born in Somalia, introduced legislation aimed at limiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions at sensitive community sites, drawing attention to concerns over immigrant safety in public spaces. The proposed bill seeks to define “sensitive locations” as areas including places of worship, courthouses, hospitals, educational institutions, public religious ceremonies, organizations assisting children, pregnant women, victims of crime or abuse, and individuals with mental or physical disabilities.
JUST IN: Ohio State Rep Ismail Mohamed who was born in Somalia, introduces legislation to hinder ICE and protect foreign criminals
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 8, 2026
Foreigners are trying to demand we weaken our national security and attack law enforcement
Insanity pic.twitter.com/beYfkc75Eh
Speaking in support of the bill, Mohamed emphasized that these sites should remain safe spaces for Ohioans. “Every Ohioan deserves the right to feel safe at their school and place of worship. This bill would define sensitive location as sites like a place of worship, courthouse, hospital, educational institution, public religious ceremony, organizations assisting children, pregnant women, victims of crime or abuse, or individuals with mental or physical disabilities,” he said. Mohamed described past actions under the Trump administration in which enforcement at such sites caused fear and disruption in communities. “What are often places of solace and importance to the community, unfortunately, can be easily turned into places where people can no longer feel safe or secure,” he added.
The legislation clarifies that it would not interfere with lawful execution of criminal warrants, but it would restrict ICE from taking action against individuals solely for civil immigration violations, such as undocumented entry. “I will remind you that mere undocumented entry into the country is a civil penalty, not a criminal one,” Mohamed said.
Mohamed also noted that similar bills have been passed in multiple states and are under consideration in others. He expressed hope that the legislation would help ensure immigration enforcement is more targeted and conducted within ethical and moral boundaries. “Representative Synenberg and I are hopeful that this bill will allow our immigrant enforcement to be more appropriately targeted, to follow the moral and ethical bounds that are reflective of this great nation to keep our communities safe,” he said.
The proposal comes at a time of heightened national debate over immigration enforcement, particularly the use of ICE in sensitive locations such as schools and places of worship. Supporters of the legislation argue it is intended to protect vulnerable populations and maintain trust in community institutions, while critics may see it as a restriction on federal immigration authorities.
