FULL STORY: https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/ohio-lawmakers-america-first-act-immigration/530-0a5a09d7-5274-4c28-9df8-f80c2a4cc344 As protests continue in Los Angeles over ICE raids, two lawmakers said Wednesday they believe a proposed bill in the Ohio Statehouse can prevent what happened in California from happening in Ohio. “Let's just look at Los Angeles this last week. We are better than California. We can do better than that. We ought to do better than that,” said State Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery). Democrats on the House Public Safety Committee were critical of the bill. “I could easily get picked up today because of the color of my skin. What due process would I have under this?” said State Rep. Darnell Brewer (D-Cleveland). Provisions of the bill include the following: Unlawful presence criminalized: The bill makes it a felony for anyone unlawfully present in the United States, as determined by federal authorities, to enter or remain in Ohio. The first offense is classified as a fifth-degree felony, punishable by a $500 fine and up to one year in jail. Repeat offenses would be treated as a fourth-degree felony, with increased penalties. “If you are breaking and entering into my country, you don't belong here,” Click said. Mandatory reporting and cooperation: Ohio law enforcement agencies would be required to report anyone detained for unlawful presence to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Agencies must cooperate with federal detainer requests and are permitted to surrender individuals to ICE for deportation at any point during their sentence. Local government accountability: The bill includes financial penalties for local governments and subdivisions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Noncompliant communities could face a $500 deduction from their Local Government Fund allocations. “This provision also requires law enforcement agencies and detention facilities to cooperate with enforcement of federal immigration laws and imposes penalties on subdivisions who refuse to do so,” said State Rep. Nick Santucci (R-Niles). Due process and exceptions: The legislation provides for a 72-hour window for offenders to leave the state upon release. It also allows for a 90-day stay — and potentially indefinite extensions — for individuals actively seeking asylum or visa extensions, ensuring that those attempting to regularize their status are not immediately penalized. Protections for certain groups: Provisions are included to protect DACA recipients and to allow for improvements to safeguard minors who may be prosecuted for being unlawfully present through no fault of their own, though some critics have raised concerns about criminalizing children.