Lucas County commissioners have voted to withdraw from a federal border-security grant program, reversing a decision they had approved unanimously just months earlier.
The funding, part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Stonegarden program, would have provided approximately $68,000 to support additional law-enforcement patrols in Jerusalem Township. The original award totaled $70,000 when it was accepted by the commission in December before being reduced during final processing.
When an amended resolution came before the board this week, Commissioners Pete Gerken and Anita Lopez voted against the updated measure and subsequently moved to rescind the county’s participation in the grant entirely.
Gerken said his opposition is based on concerns about the evolving role of the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which he believes have moved away from traditional law-enforcement functions. He cited past federal actions as justification for his position and said he intends to develop policy recommendations for the sheriff’s office regarding immigration-related cooperation.
Lucas County Sheriff Mike Navarre opposed the decision, stating that the grant is not connected to immigration enforcement and is intended to support patrol activity and the protection of critical infrastructure. He noted that Lucas County has participated in the program for nearly 20 years.
The sheriff also raised concerns about turning down federal funding amid ongoing financial challenges facing the county and warned that rejecting the grant could affect the county’s ability to secure future federal assistance.
Despite the disagreement, the sheriff said his office will continue cooperating with federal law-enforcement agencies when assistance is requested and will review any policy proposals put forward by the commissioners, while maintaining that current practices are sufficient.
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