Ohio lawmakers have introduced legislation that would significantly increase penalties for obstructing federal immigration enforcement. The legislation would make it a felony to interfere with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers making arrests in the state.
House Bill 544, sponsored by Reps. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, and Josh Williams, R-Oregon, aim to expand Ohio’s existing obstructing justice statute to include interference with arrests made by federal immigration authorities. Under the bill, anyone who prevents or hinders an ICE or Customs and Border Protection operation could face a third-degree felony — the same penalty reserved for serious violent or organized crime offenses.
The measure was introduced on October 22 and is co-sponsored by Reps: Thomas Hall, Mark Johnson, Beth Lear, and Kevin Miller, all Republicans.
The bill updates language in Ohio Revised Code section 2921.32 to add “arrest” throughout provisions defining obstruction of justice, aligning it more closely with federal enforcement language. It also distinguishes between general obstruction and obstruction involving immigration enforcement: interfering with local, state, or other federal arrests would remain a fifth-degree felony, while obstructing immigration enforcement specifically would rise to a third-degree felony.
The legislation also reaffirms that individuals can be charged even if the person they attempted to shield is never arrested or convicted — a clause designed to prevent activists or sanctuary groups from claiming legal immunity if an ICE target escapes apprehension.
Supporters say the bill will strengthen cooperation between state and federal law enforcement and give prosecutors new tools to address escalating incidents in which protesters or bystanders attempt to block immigration officers from carrying out arrests.
“Federal immigration agents are being assaulted, obstructed, and harassed at an alarming rate,” said a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson earlier this month in an unrelated briefing. “Any measure that reinforces penalties for interference helps ensure the safety of our officers and the rule of law.”
The proposal comes amid a surge in nationwide confrontations during ICE operations, including incidents in Chicago and New York where crowds attempted to prevent federal arrests. Federal officials have reported a 1,000 percent increase in assaults and attempted interference with ICE agents since 2024.
Under Ohio law, a third-degree felony can carry up to three years in prison and substantial fines. Lawmakers behind the bill say this reflects the seriousness of obstructing federal law enforcement.
House Bill 544 has been referred to committee for initial hearings. If approved, it would make Ohio one of the first states to explicitly classify obstruction of federal immigration enforcement as a felony offense.
