Skip to main content
ArtDeportationDetentionMauritanian CampaignVolunteer Management

2 Updates from the Ohio Immigrant Alliance

tramontelaJune 4, 2025
2 Updates from the Ohio Immigrant Alliance

The Ohio Immigrant Hotline is a Success — But We Need You!

We opened the Ohio Immigrant Hotline to keep immigrant Ohioans as safe as possible from the Trump administration (419-777-HELP (4357) and hotline@ohioimmigrant.org). Our bilingual Hotline Managers have already handled more than 90 calls and emails, helping people choose immigration lawyers; locate loved ones disappeared to immigration jail; learn how to put money on their commissary accounts; report abuses by ICE, the Border Patrol, police, and others; and find speakers for community meetings, among many other requests.A Black boy wearing a baseball hat is on the left, with another Black young boy smiling in the middle and a Black man wearing a striped shirt looks on from the right. Two AAPI individuals appear in the background. The words say, in cursive, "We Keep Us Safe" and “Ohio Immigrant Hotline” in all caps, both fonts in light green. The overall image is in shades of purple.

We’ve also taken action following these calls, helping resolve detention violations, assisting with liberation strategies, and connecting immigrants to volunteers to go to immigration court or agency appointments. No one should walk into those places alone. This is how we take care of each other, as a community. Whether you were born in Celina or Senegal, Indiana or India, Ohio is home and we are glad you are here.

Here’s how you can help. The hotline doesn’t run on its own. Our skilled and compassionate Hotline Managers have families and bills to pay. A $50 donation to the Ohio Immigrant Alliance pays for one hour of this hotline lifeline. Can you make a recurring donation to the Ohio Immigrant Alliance today? This project was an experiment, and it’s working! We need to sustain it for the long term. We can’t do that without you!

We’ve seen an uptick in calls since we started a publicity campaign. Help by sharing our Public Service Announcements on TikTok. You can also find them on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

Share the Hotline video in English; Spanish; French; Fulani; Wolof; Haitian Kreyol

Use this social media toolkit. Call us! If you can help record the video in other languages, reach out. And please consider making a monthly donation to the Ohio Immigrant Alliance. We really need your support. Thank you.

Fulani ❤️ On Stage In Columbus This Weekend

For decades, Fulani people have been migrating to Ohio from Mauritania, Senegal, and other West African nations, seeking a safe and affordable place to live and raise their families.

On June 7 at 3pm, the Ohio Immigrant Alliance will bring a celebration of Fulani culture and impact to the Columbus Arts Festival, at the Word Is Art Stage & Acoustic Lounge (map), with:

  • Griot Habi Gawlo

  • Poet-activist Houleye Thiam

  • Educator and linguist Teresa Temu

  • Comedian and singer Souleye Ball

  • Demgalam creators Fatima and Nourrou Barro

  • Ohio Immigrant Alliance Executive Director Lynn Tramonte

In white bubble text the words "Pulaagam: A Celebration of Fulani Heritage" to the left of a Black woman in a blue dress with a megaphone, followed by details of the event.In “Pulaagam: A Celebration of Fulani Heritage,” the audience will also be treated to recorded music from Salif Sarr, a Columbus artist and vocal advocate for the Fula people of Mauritania.

June 7 is also Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), one of the holiest annual celebrations in Islam. Read more here and join the discussion in our Facebook Event. Watch and share this promotional video. Learn more about the Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s arts programming here.

For more information, or to interview any of the artists in advance, contact Lynn Tramonte (ltramonte@ohioimmigrant.org).