ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Legislator Rich John is defending Tompkins County amid federal scrutiny.

In a recent national immigration hearing, Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan was critical of how Tompkins County law enforcement handled the arrest earlier this year of a Mexican citizen in Ithaca. Jordan even suggested Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office defied federal authorities because of Sheriff Derek Osborne’s political affiliation.

John, who also chairs the Tompkins County Public Safety Committee, clarified the series of events at the June 17 meeting of the Legislature.

Sheriff Derek Osborne, who received death threats as a result of the ordeal, was supported by Tompkins County officials and cleared of any wrongdoing by the New York State Sheriff’s Association.

You can watch Congressman Jim Jordan’s exchange with Governor Kathy Hochul here.