COLUMBUS — Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon issued an official statement addressing growing community concern over recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, emphasizing that city leadership and local police received no prior notice and are not participating in federal immigration sweeps.
The Mayor’s statement follows reports and social media video showing federal enforcement activity across south-central Indiana on Wednesday, September 2.
Unannounced Federal Activity Prompts Local Reaction
Video clips circulating online showed personnel wearing tactical vests marked “ERO”—representing ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations directorate—outside local establishments, including Camila’s Mexican Restaurant on 25th Street. Additional footage captured agents conducting a traffic stop near State Road 46 and Interstate 65.
In response to public inquiries regarding municipal involvement, Mayor Ferdon clarified the independent authority of federal agencies:
“We are aware of the recent reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity at a local restaurant earlier today. Neither the city administration nor the Columbus Police Department received any advance notice about this operation, and we were not aware it was happening,” Mayor Ferdon stated. “Because federal agencies like ICE operate independently, they are not required to notify local municipalities or law enforcement within their jurisdictions.”
Ferdon reiterated that local authorities are not assisting in the operations:
“We want to reassure the community that, in line with our local policies, the Columbus Police Department does not participate in federal immigration enforcement sweeps and have not entered into any agreement with federal law enforcement to participate in such action,” she said. “We are committed to keeping everyone informed and safe, and we will share verified updates as soon as we have more information.”
Regional Impact and Business Closures
The sudden presence of federal agents led two local Columbus restaurants to temporarily close their doors as anxiety spread through the community:
- Camila’s Mexican Restaurant: Located on 25th Street, the restaurant abruptly closed after employees raised safety concerns upon seeing agents outside. Management posted on social media that staff members were safe and that plans were in place to reopen on Thursday.
- TaColumbus: Located on State Street, the establishment announced its temporary closure shortly after Camila’s. Employees cited a desire to protect customers and support local Hispanic residents amidst widespread unease.
Similar ICE sightings and detainments were reported across nearby Seymour and Bloomington, where local authorities likewise confirmed they were not notified ahead of the federal operations.
