Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski faced public backlash and legal threats after posting controversial remarks on Facebook, where he referred to people entering the country illegally as “human locusts” and suggested that addresses of Harris supporters be recorded to accommodate migrants. The post came after rumors spread by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance claiming that Haitian immigrants were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Zuchowski, a Republican running for reelection, later deleted the post following criticism from Democrats and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio.
The comments made by Zuchowski on his personal and campaign Facebook pages were seen by Democrats as a veiled threat, while his supporters argued that he was exercising his right to free speech and making a statement about immigration policy. The ACLU of Ohio demanded the removal of the post and threatened legal action, arguing that the sheriff’s remarks were an unconstitutional threat against those displaying political yard signs. The Portage County Board of Elections, in response to concerns raised by community members feeling intimidated by Zuchowski’s remarks, voted to remove the sheriff’s office from its election security detail for the upcoming early voting period.
Democratic board member Randi Clites emphasized the importance of ensuring that every voter feels safe casting their vote, leading to the decision to remove the sheriff’s office from election security detail. However, Amanda Suffecool, head of the Portage County Republican Party and an elections board member, voted against Clites’ motion, viewing it as political and a disservice to the deputies of the sheriff’s department. She dismissed the claim that Zuchowski had made a threat, stating that people choose to be offended. Election security responsibilities were transferred to police in Ravenna, the county seat, and the new policy would remain in place during years where the incumbent sheriff is running for reelection.
In a follow-up statement, Zuchowski asserted that his comments had been “a little misinterpreted,” but he stood by his belief that voters must take responsibility for their political choices. However, he did not directly address why he chose to delete the original post. The controversy surrounding Zuchowski’s remarks highlights the tensions surrounding immigration policy and free speech in the current political climate. The incident also raises questions about the responsibilities of public officials to uphold the values of inclusivity and respect for all members of their communities. As the election season continues, Zuchowski’s actions and statements will likely remain a topic of discussion and debate among voters and political observers.
