HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Construction worker punched by jail sergeant, deported to Ecuador, files lawsuit

May 19, 2026 · Hamilton, OH, Ecuador

Construction worker punched by jail sergeant, deported to Ecuador, files lawsuit

Luis Tenelanda, an Ecuadoran construction worker who lived in the United States for over 30 years, was detained by ICE and held at Butler County Jail in Ohio in June 2025. On June 8, 2025, Sgt. Corneal Rowe allegedly punched Tenelanda in the stomach after he joined other inmates in requesting their scheduled daily break, causing him to lose consciousness and sustain injuries to his stomach and arm. Witnesses report Rowe also used racial slurs against Tenelanda and other detainees. Jail staff allegedly failed to provide proper medical care following the assault. Tenelanda was deported to Ecuador in August 2025 and filed a federal civil lawsuit in May 2026 against Sheriff Richard Jones, Sgt. Corneal Rowe, and Butler County, alleging assault, civil rights violations, failure to train staff, and patterns of excessive force. An internal affairs investigation found Rowe used only "minimal force" but violated policy by not filing an incident report.

Timeline

May 19, 2026Ohio Immigrant Alliance holds press conference announcing lawsuit and Eighth Amendment violation claims as part of ongoing civil rights efforts against Butler County Jail
May 18, 2026Federal civil lawsuit filed against Sheriff Richard Jones, Sgt. Corneal Rowe, and Butler County alleging assault, civil rights violations, failure to supervise and train staff, and inadequate medical care
Aug 2025Tenelanda deported to Ecuador approximately two months after the assault
Jun 8, 2025Luis Tenelanda allegedly punched in the stomach by Sgt. Corneal Rowe at Butler County Jail after requesting scheduled daily break; Tenelanda loses consciousness and sustains injuries; Rowe allegedly uses racial slurs

Sources

More incidents in Ohio