Geauga County's Hidden Immigration Detention Deal

Geauga County officials are keeping a secret from the people who pay their salaries.

They made a deal to house immigration detainees in the county jail but won't show anyone the contract. Not the press, not even the ACLU. They say it's none of the public's business. But is it really?

A Pattern of Hiding Information

This isn't just about one secret deal. It's about a pattern of hiding information from taxpayers. Experts say the county is wrong to keep this contract hidden. The ACLU even sued to force them to reveal it. The Ohio Supreme Court said the case can go forward.

Taxpayers Deserve Answers

Taxpayers have a right to know what's happening in their own jail. How many detainees are there? How much money is the county making? Where is that money going? These are basic questions that should have straightforward answers.

Trust Isn't Enough

The officials say to just trust them. But trust isn't enough. If the deal is good for taxpayers, why hide it? If it's bad, why not fix it instead of hiding it? This isn't how democracy is supposed to work. The people have a right to know how their money is being spent.

A Dangerous Precedent

If officials can hide this deal, what else are they hiding? Today it's an immigration contract. Tomorrow it could be anything. This sets a dangerous precedent. Officials should work for the people, not against them.