A Lucas County commissioner drew criticism this week after referring to federal immigration enforcement agencies as a “terrorist group” during a public meeting addressing a Department of Homeland Security law enforcement grant.
During Tuesday’s Lucas County Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Pete Gerken made the remarks. At the same time, the board discussed an amendment to an Operation Stonegarden grant, which provides federal funding for local law enforcement operations coordinated with federal agencies.
The amendment would have reduced the county’s grant allocation from $70,000 to $68,250. Gerken said the funding was previously approved in December to support overtime, fuel, and other operational costs for law enforcement participating in the program, but stated he could no longer support the grant.
“Since December 2025, these agencies have changed from a legitimate agency to a terrorist group,” Gerken said, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Border Patrol. An audience member responded audibly with “thank you” following the statement.
🚨SHOCKING: Lucas County, Ohio Commissioner Pete Gerken Calls DHS, ICE & Border Patrol a 'Terrorist group.'🚨
Video showcases Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken, labeling federal DHS, ICE and Border Patrol agents as a "terrorist group." Shared by State Rep. Josh Williams, GOP… pic.twitter.com/MTAeMCyihO— jackwindsor (@jackwindsor) January 15, 2026
After the meeting, Gerken expanded on his comments in an interview with WTOL 11, saying he used the term “terrorists” based on what he described as the use of force or intimidation against non-combatants for political purposes. He said he opposed any funding that could be interpreted as supporting those agencies.
Gerken also referenced individuals being held at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio, stating he did not believe they should be detained there. “I do not want to be part of that system that takes even a small amount of money,” he said, adding that accepting federal funding imposes compliance obligations.
Commissioner Lisa Sobecki said her support for the amended grant was unrelated to federal immigration enforcement activity. She said the funding was intended to provide flexibility for the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and noted that the county has accepted the grant under various program titles for several years.
The remarks drew public response from state officials, including Josh Williams, who criticized the characterization of federal law enforcement agencies in a post on X. Williams said such rhetoric undermines law enforcement and contributes to heightened threats against immigration officers.
The Department of Homeland Security has previously reported increased threats against immigration enforcement personnel nationwide amid expanded federal immigration operations.
