HAMILTON, Ohio (WXIX) - Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones has a legal right to house U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prisoners who are only civilly charged in the county jail, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser asked the state’s top lawyer to weigh in after growing concerned about potential liability to the county.

Specifically, Gmoser asked Yost if the sheriff had the legal right to hold detainees charged civilly, not criminally, for more than two days.

Absolutely, Yost responded.

“Federal law allows ICE to enter an agreement with a state or political subdivision, such as the county, to provide ‘housing, care, and security’ for aliens detained by ICE. Such detention is not limited to 48 hours,” his decision states.

“Rat

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