By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• A police officer in Gratis, Ohio, resigned after trying to conduct immigration-related “wellness checks” at three Cincinnati public schools.
• Gratis Police Chief Tonina Lamanna and Officer Jeffrey Baylor were placed on paid administrative leave after the visits.
• Cincinnati school officials denied access to the campuses and said the officers did not interact with students.
• The Village of Gratis suspended its participation in the federal 287(g) immigration partnership program.
GRATIS, OH — A police officer from the Village of Gratis submitted his resignation after he and the police chief were placed on paid administrative leave following attempts to conduct immigration-related wellness checks at three Cincinnati Public Schools buildings.
Officer Jeffrey Baylor and Gratis Police Chief Tonina Lamanna visited Western Hills University High School, Rees E. Price Academy and Roberts Academy without prior notice on April 15, according to local officials. School authorities said the officers were turned away and did not interact with students or staff.
Interim Gratis Police Department Manager Matt Jones confirmed Baylor’s resignation has been submitted to the village council for consideration and that the department’s participation in the federal 287(g) immigration program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been suspended indefinitely.
Baylor said he accompanied Lamanna in a backup role and did not speak with school officials, and a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement statement said the visits were not enforcement actions and did not involve federal officers.
The council’s actions followed the visits, and both Baylor and Lamanna remain on administrative leave pending any further internal review.