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GREENVILLE – Sheriff Mark Whittaker spent a recent evening explaining the Darke County Sheriff’s role in immigration.
The evening was presented by the Darke County Republican Women’s Club (DCRWC) as an educational public service event. It was held at the Radiant Lighthouse Church. DCRWC President Delores Ely opened the event with a welcome and explanation of the ground rules for the evening. Pastor Hershel Fee gave the prayer and Ben Thaeler, from Representative Warren Davidson’s office, led the Pledge of Allegiance. DCRWC First Vice President Lyn Bliss introduced Sheriff Whittaker.
Whittaker explained that his grandmother was a legal immigrant who came to the United States as a war bride after World War Two. He gave a brief history on immigration in the United States, stating it was of consideration even before the Constitution was adopted. Immigration control is put in place for the safety and well-being of the country’s citizens.
He started the presentation by explaining that immigration is governed by Title 8 of the United States Code, where the process to become a citizen is enumerated. He went further by stating that he and his office are not a formal part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, his office needs to know of the immigration status of county residents in order to keep the peace and protect its residents.
Whittaker stated that he can enforce the federal immigration laws, but his authority is very limited. A person must be in his custody through law infringement before he can check citizenship. If an illegal immigrant is identified, the sheriff’s office then notifies the local ICE office in Cincinnati.
When ICE agents are planning to enter Darke County, Whittaker is informed prior to arrival and upon departure.
The Sheriff identified a new program which would be a memorandum of understanding between his office and ICE. This is in early development and has been adopted by very few counties in Ohio. A better understanding of the rules and requirements are being pursued prior to proceeding. It should be noted this new program has not yet withstood challenges in the court system.
There is an ICE agent serving this area. His job is to carry out President Trump’s orders regarding deportation. The second phase of the ICE agent’s responsibility will be to work with employers on employment immigration laws.
Whittaker stated that it is the responsibility of the sheriff’s office to keep criminals off the streets – including criminal illegals.
There were eight illegal immigrant detainees in 2024. In 2025 there have been six apprehensions of illegal immigrants for traffic incidents and two for sexual assaults.
Questions were taken from the audience following the Sheriff’s presentation.
A question was asked about how an illegal immigrant obtains a driver’s license and a car. Whittaker explained that most of the moving violations involve drivers without licenses and the cars are registered to LLCs.
Employment of illegal immigrants without a social security number was questioned. The Sheriff stated that most have fraudulent documents.
It was asked how long ICE has been in existence. Whittaker explained that immigration concerns are older than our government. ICE is under the Department of Homeland Security. It was previously called Immigration and Naturalization Services.
Another person asked why the process to become a citizen has been shortened. He said that there are quotas set for the number of legal immigrants allowed annually. Whittaker explained that he believes the quota is driven by the need for immigrants, political policies, a person’s attributes, and social acceptance.
Sheriff Whittaker reported there is a possibility of a demonstration in Greenville on June 14. He said that his office is working directly with the Greenville police office and if a demonstration occurs they have a plan in place. He stated they are planning for the worst and hoping for the best.
Pepper Wright, a naturalized local citizen and member of the DCRWC, spoke on the efforts required for her to become a United States citizen. She emphatically stated her belief that all immigrants should be required to follow the same legal procedure as she did. After she spoke, the audience gave her a very enthusiastic round of applause.
Photo: Darke County Sheriff Mark Whittaker speaks at a recent program regarding immigration
