Butler County Sheriff’s Office Faces Lawsuit Over Treatment of Immigrants
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office has found itself at the center of a new lawsuit alleging the mistreatment of immigrants detained for federal authorities.
This lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati, claims that a guard used racial slurs against Luis Teneranda, an Ecuadorian man, and beat him so severely that he required hospitalization.
In response to the allegations, the sheriff’s office issued a statement highlighting their commitment to maintaining a safe and professional environment within the Butler County Jail. However, they refrained from discussing the specifics of the ongoing lawsuit.
“The Butler County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to the secure and professional operations of the Butler County Jail,” the statement read. “Sheriff Richard Jones will continue to support the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office as they perform their challenging duties, upholding the professionalism that Butler County residents expect.”
Despite the sheriff’s assurances, plaintiffs, their legal representatives, and immigrant advocacy groups argue that a troubling culture of mistreatment toward immigration detainees exists at the facility.
The lawsuit not only seeks monetary damages but also calls for a declaration that Sheriff Jones has been negligent in adequately training and supervising staff. Furthermore, it demands that the court recognize the violation of Teneranda’s constitutional rights, which purportedly resulted in significant suffering.
Lynn Tramonte, founder of the Ohio Immigration Alliance, highlighted that the officer involved in the alleged attack received only a verbal reprimand for not filing an incident report. According to her, the sheriff’s office concluded that excessive force had not been used, despite the fact that Teneranda was taken to the hospital.
“This incident was entirely preventable,” Tramonte stated during a virtual press conference. “Mr. Teneranda has lived in this country for decades, has raised children here, and has worked on construction projects such as fire stations and schools. He was proud of his contributions to society.”
Advocates for immigrant rights argue that this incident is indicative of a broader issue at the Butler County Jail. The facility has detained immigrants under federal contracts throughout both Trump administrations.
“This issue extends beyond the actions of a single sergeant,” remarked Gabriel Davis of the Ohio Justice Policy Center, which is collaborating with the Norris Law Group on the lawsuit. “It reflects a culture of abuse and inhumane treatment.” The incident in question reportedly occurred on June 8, 2025.
Tramonte emphasized that detainees often endure solitary confinement for as many as 22 hours each day. On one particular Sunday evening, when detainees were abruptly informed they would not be allowed outdoor time, some, including Teneranda, began to bang on their cell doors in protest.
Allegations claim that Corneil Lowe, a guard, directed derogatory remarks towards Teneranda and her cellmate before entering their cell and physically assaulting her. According to testimonies from fellow detainees, Lowe’s actions left Teneranda unconscious after a severe blow to the stomach.
Following the incident, Teneranda was initially evaluated by prison medical staff but later awoke in the middle of the night vomiting blood. Subsequent medical assessments two days later confirmed a stomach inflammation, although Teneranda’s arm was declared to be unharmed.
The attorney representing Teneranda expressed concerns regarding the handling of his medical records, noting that despite an initial report from the hospital, the sheriff’s deputies withheld access. After his deportation to Ecuador, Teneranda faced additional challenges in obtaining a replacement copy.
This lawsuit marks a continuation of allegations against the Butler County Jail for mistreatment of immigrant detainees. Past accusations include instances of physical abuse against individuals from Cameroon and Somalia, as well as disrespect towards religious practices.
Moreover, Tramonte pointed out that under Butler County’s guidelines, immigration detainees are often placed in solitary confinement, even though their status is civil rather than criminal.
Reflecting on Teneranda’s situation, Tramonte lamented the impact his deportation has had on his family. “After deportation, it causes immense emotional turmoil,” she remarked. “Families are left in distress and uncertainty, leading to a pervasive sense of helplessness.” She emphasized the importance of treating immigrants with dignity, asserting that their contributions to society should not be diminished by unjust treatment.
