By Ivan Gomez
The stories are repeating across immigrant communities in Ohio. Entire families separated at dawn, workers detained at their jobs, children coming home to find the doors locked, unsure if their parents will return. Amid fear and uncertainty, a terrifying sentiment begins to take hold: “We are being hunted.”
Some members of the immigrant community have started drawing unsettling comparisons to the persecution suffered by Jews in Nazi Germany. Not because of gas chambers or death trains, but because of the constant fear, the raids that disrupt their lives without warning, and neighbors reporting others based solely on their appearance or accent. “First, they criminalize us, calling us criminals, rapists, and drug traffickers. Then, they point us out, marginalize us, and separate us from our families. What’s next? Mass deportation as if we were a plague?” said a Cleveland Heights resident, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.
In recent weeks, Ohio has seen a significant increase in federal immigration enforcement activities, creating an atmosphere of anxiety and panic among local immigrant communities. According to recent reports, more than 900 people have been arrested in northeastern Ohio during operations conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (Cleveland 19 News).
One of the most notable incidents occurred in Cleveland Heights, where ICE agents raided Cilantro Taqueria, catching both employees and customers by surprise (Telemundo Cleveland). This type of operation has caused growing concern among residents, especially in communities with a high immigrant population.
At the same time, there has been an increase in campaigns urging American citizens to report individuals suspected of being undocumented. These initiatives, promoted by certain political sectors, seek to equate the presence of undocumented immigrants with criminal activities, fueling paranoia and stigmatization.
In response, civil rights organizations such as the ACLU of Ohio and the Ohio Immigrant Alliance have urged local authorities not to cooperate with ICE operations, arguing that civil detention of immigrants can be prolonged indefinitely and erodes trust between communities and law enforcement (ACLU Ohio).
Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb recently issued a statement expressing his concern over federal raids and reaffirming his commitment to protecting all city residents, regardless of their immigration status (City of Cleveland).
As the situation intensifies, community leaders and human rights advocates are calling for solidarity and the protection of fundamental rights for all people, regardless of their origin or legal status. The hope is that local and state authorities will take steps to mitigate the impact of these raids and foster an environment of inclusion and respect.
