At the heart of our nation is a commitment to the rule of law, public safety and national sovereignty. In recent years, these foundational principles have come under increasing pressure as illegal immigration at our Southern border has surged — bringing with it rising crime, drug and human trafficking, and unsustainable burdens on our public services.

The situation has raised concerns nationwide. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, over 425,000 convicted criminal aliens — including more than 13,000 murderers and nearly 16,000 rapists — have been released into the United States. Customs and Border Protection data shows that arrests of criminal noncitizens nearly doubled between fiscal years 2017 and 2024.

Ohio is not immune. Northeast Ohio is only about a 24-hour drive (1,600 miles) from the Texas-Mexico border and just 3.5 hours (220 miles) from the Canadian border, and our state is home to an estimated 118,000 undocumented immigrants, nearly 20% of the state’s immigrant population. That figure represents a 32% increase since 2019, a period that has coincided with high levels of human trafficking and a sharp increase in seizures of illegal drugs across the state.

We fully support legal immigration and remain grateful for the contributions immigrants have made to Ohio. These individuals are an essential part of our communities and economy, and their hard work, entrepreneurship and cultural traditions enrich the fabric of our state. However, to protect Ohio’s future as a state of progress and safety, we must ensure that only those who have legally entered the state are able to remain.

We are grateful to President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem for their unwavering leadership on this issue. President Trump’s policies have significantly reduced illegal border crossings, empowered law enforcement and prioritized the safety of American citizens. CBP data shows that monthly southwest border encounters dropped significantly under President Trump’s administration — from over 170,000 per month to fewer than 15,000.

Their leadership inspires our work in Ohio. While we recognize the progress achieved by federal efforts, the long-term effects of weak border policies continue to be felt. We will not stand by as this crisis threatens the safety and stability of our state. We’ve seen the consequences of unchecked illegal immigration in cities across the country, and we are determined to prevent those outcomes here.

That is why we introduced House Bill 200, the America First Act. This legislation prohibits individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States from entering or remaining in Ohio and mandates full cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. HB 200 is a bold but common-sense measure that prioritizes the safety of our communities. It sends a clear message: Ohio will not be a sanctuary for illegal activity.

The bill empowers local law enforcement, holds individuals accountable for violating immigration laws and ensures that state resources are reserved for those who follow the law. The bill opposes sanctuary policies and affirms that criminal activity — regardless of origin — has no place in Ohio communities.

This issue is not about partisanship. It is about principle, public safety and responsible leadership.

Our commitment is to the law-abiding citizens of Ohio — families, workers, students and seniors — who deserve to live in safe, stable communities. We are a welcoming state, and we value the many contributions of legal immigrants who call Ohio home; but we are not a lawless state, and we will not accommodate those who disregard our laws or threaten our people.

State Rep. Nick Santucci, R-Niles, represents Ohio’s 64th District.