NW Ohio Times

State Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari of Perrysburg has issued a statement following the arrest of Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra, a 24-year-old Venezuelan national, by Perrysburg Police. The statement addresses concerns regarding compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 and the lack of reporting to law enforcement about allegations of human trafficking.

Ghanbari emphasized that his previous comments did not blame Perrysburg Public Schools for the situation. He noted, "At no time have any of my statements regarding the arrest of Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra placed blame on Perrysburg Public Schools; however, many have cited compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987." The act ensures that homeless children and youth can access education without needing essential documents like a birth certificate.

According to information from Perrysburg Police, Labrador Sierra contacted Perrysburg Schools on November 1, 2023, seeking enrollment as he claimed to be homeless and an immigrant from Venezuela. He also reported being a victim of human trafficking. On November 6, 2023, when he attempted to begin the enrollment process, he was informed that a birth certificate was required. Two months later, he provided a Venezuelan birth certificate dated December 2, 2007, allowing him to start as a student on January 19, 2024.

Ghanbari raised concerns about this requirement in light of the McKinney-Vento Act's protections: "Given that Mr. Labrador Sierra disclosed his status as homeless, on what basis did the school district require the production of a birth certificate as a condition of enrollment?"

In his original statement, Ghanbari urged cooperation with authorities and suggested reviewing internal protocols to maintain school safety: “The Perrysburg School District should continue to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities and support the ongoing investigation in every way possible."

He pointed out that there was no contact made with police before May 19, 2025, concerning Labrador Sierra's claim as a potential human trafficking victim. Ghanbari suggested that reviewing protocols might lead to policies requiring notification to law enforcement for such allegations.

The absence of early notification meant missed opportunities for police intervention and collaboration with federal agencies like United States Customs and Border Protection (USCPB), which could have identified inconsistencies in Labrador Sierra's identity using biometrics technology.

Ghanbari concluded by reaffirming his commitment: "I remain committed to working with local, state, and federal officials to ensure accountability and implement reforms that prevent this from ever happening again."