OIA’s 6 Pillars
These six pillars are the core components of how Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s work. This is how we respond to overreaches in federal immigration law enforcement and advocate for a fairer, more dignified immigration system for all.
Community Hotline and Rapid Response Intake
We operate the Ohio Immigrant Hotline, an intake system where community members report ICE arrests, check-ins, or enforcement activity via text, email, or phone call. This allows us to verify information, reduce panic and misinformation, and quickly connect impacted individuals and families to legal, accompaniment, and community support. The hotline is often the first point of contact for people seeking help during enforcement surges. Contact the Hotline at hotline@ohioimmigrant.org or 419-777-HELP (4357).
Jail and Detention Monitoring and Abolition
When someone is detained, we work to locate them within local jails or ICE custody, maintain contact with families, connect them to financial and other supports, and track urgent timelines. We flag cases that require immediate legal attention and help families understand what is happening and what decisions need to be made quickly, as detention moves fast and delays can have severe consequences.
We also work to enforce individuals’ rights, force the system to follow the law, and advocate for an end to immigration jail through litigation, media campaigns, engagement with elected officials, and other efforts. Read about our campaigns that ended two ICE contracts after the first Trump administration.
Accompanying Immigrants at Difficult Moments
Trained volunteers accompany individuals to ICE check-ins, USCIS appointments, or other high-risk encounters. Attending these appointments with an OIA volunteer reduces fear and isolation, provides witnesses and documentation, and can sometimes change the dynamic of an encounter. While it is not a guarantee of safety, it is a critical harm-reduction tool and an important source of emotional and practical support. It’s also just one example of how we are building community together because at the end of the day, we are the ones who keep us safe. Learn more about our volunteer programs here.
Coordination, Referral, Mutual Aid Support, and Training
We coordinate across organizations, attorneys, faith groups, and mutual aid networks to respond to the secondary impacts of immigration jail, including loss of income, housing instability, food insecurity, and childcare needs. This pillar is about connecting people to the right support quickly, and preventing families from falling into crisis while legal processes unfold.
We also created OhioIsHome.org, a one-stop resource website for anyone seeking to understand their rights in the face of increased ICE and Border Patrol activity in Ohio. “Build The Nest” is our training program to help institutions learn how to stay focused on their core roles, and not become arms of Immigration. Learn more about how you can get involved in your local community on OhioIsHome.org, and contact hotline@ohioimmigrant.org to request training for your group.
Research and Public Advocacy
Armed with first-hand knowledge of how the immigration system is operating in Ohio, we speak to the media, community groups, elected officials, and concerned Ohioans about the problems we are seeing, solutions that are needed, and how they can help. We also produce original research and publications that advance our goal of making Ohio a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.
“Broken Hope: Deportation and the Road Home” is a book we co-authored with Suma Setty of the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), after interviewing 255 people who were deported. In 2026, we will release a report about immigration jail in Ohio, and a policy book from Demba Ndiath, our Advocacy Director, about West African migration called “From Welcome to Deportation.” Check out OIA’s research here.
Arts and Cultural Connections
We believe that art is a universal language. That’s why we published the Ohio Migration Anthology (Volumes One and Two), hosted events at the Columbus Arts Festival, and are working on a coloring book with Shema Asifiwe, a high school artist, called “Ohio Is My Second Country.” We will publish the coloring book and launch an immigrant solidarity tattoo contest this spring. Learn more about our narrative work on our website and down our e-books for free at the links above.
How you can help
None of this is possible without our team of experts working throughout Ohio, volunteers, and donors. Get involved in OIA by signing up for our email list; donating to our work; and purchasing Ohio Is Home and Migration is Human merchandise. If you are traveling, book a hotel room through our Apogee link and a portion of your stay will be donated to OIA. Learn how to become an OIA volunteer here.
We keep us safe and we know what we need. Thank you for your support.
