Building a Coordinated Response to ICE in Ohio
On April 25, community leaders, advocates, and faith-based organizers gathered at the Spring Assembly in Columbus, Ohio, for a panel discussion titled “Immigration Justice Work of Ohio: Regional Response to Immigration Enforcement.” Organized by Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio, the session brought together individuals actively engaged in supporting immigrant communities across the state, highlighting both the challenges posed by immigration enforcement and the innovative, community-based responses emerging in Ohio.
The panel featured Lynn Buffington, Demba Ndiath, Jan Phillips, and Samantha Searls—each representing a different but complementary approach to immigration justice.
A Statewide Effort Rooted in Community Action
The discussion emphasized that immigration justice in Ohio is increasingly driven by collaboration across regions and sectors. From Dayton to Cincinnati, Columbus to Cleveland, organizations are building networks that respond to enforcement through direct support, mutual aid, and coordinated action, as well as advocacy.
Panelists highlighted that while immigration policy is often shaped at the federal level, its human impact is felt locally. As a result, local organizations and community groups play a critical role in filling gaps left by formal systems.
Ohio Immigrant Alliance: Building Systems of Protection
During the discussion, Demba Ndiath presented the work of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, focusing on the development of practical, scalable support systems for immigrants navigating the U.S. immigration process.
One of the key initiatives highlighted was the Immigrant Accompaniment Program, which connects trained volunteers with immigrants attending ICE check-ins, USCIS appointments, and court hearings. While not a form of legal representation, the program provides critical emotional support and helps individuals navigate intimidating institutional environments with greater confidence and dignity.
Another cornerstone of the organization’s work is the “Build The Nest – Ohio Is Home” initiative, a strategy designed to create a coordinated, statewide ecosystem of support. Through this initiative, the Ohio Immigrant Alliance develops resources and partnerships with institutions such as schools, healthcare providers, government agencies, transportation systems, and community organizations. The goal is to ensure that immigrants are not navigating the system alone, but are supported by informed and responsive institutions across Ohio.
The Ohio Immigrant Hotline: A Critical Protection Tool
A central focus of the presentation was the Ohio Immigrant Hotline, launched in January 2025 in anticipation of significant shifts in immigration enforcement and policy. Drawing on lessons learned during previous periods of heightened enforcement, the Hotline was designed as a centralized, multilingual resource to support immigrants facing urgent challenges.
The hotline allows individuals to:
Report immigration-related abuses
Locate detained family members
Access legal and community resources
Ask questions and invite speakers to their events
In its first fourteen months of operation, the Hotline has handled more than 548 incidents, with the majority of reports submitted via email and phone. Data shows that Central Ohio recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Northeast Ohio — reflecting both enforcement activity and effective outreach efforts.
Beyond data, the Hotline has demonstrated tangible impact. It has helped individuals secure legal representation, supported detained individuals through commissary funding, addressed civil rights violations, and identified legal cases with potential for litigation and policy reform.
As emphasized during the panel, the Hotline is more than a communication tool—it is a critical protection system, particularly in a context where immigration laws can be complex, inconsistent, and, at times, arbitrarily applied. Civil immigration violations — despite not being criminal offenses — can lead to severe consequences, including detention and family separation.
Complementary Approaches Across Ohio
The panel also highlighted the importance of complementary efforts across the state.
Jan Phillips discussed the work of the Fund for Immigration Legal Assistance (FILA), which provides financial support to help immigrants cover legal fees and related expenses for individuals from Central Ohio — an essential resource given the high cost of legal representation.
Samantha Searls shared insights from her work with Ignite Peace and the Cincinnati Immigrant Dignity Coalition, emphasizing coalition-building, rapid response strategies, and the importance of community education rooted in nonviolence and anti-racism.
Lynn Buffington highlighted grassroots efforts in the Dayton region, including support with bond, food, transportation, and advocacy — demonstrating how local engagement can directly address urgent needs faced by immigrant families.
Together, these perspectives underscored that no single organization can address these challenges alone. Instead, progress depends on shared resources, coordinated strategies, and sustained collaboration.
Faith and Community Responsibility
Held within a faith-based setting, the panel also acknowledged the role of faith communities in supporting immigrants during times of uncertainty. Panelists noted that faith-based organizations often serve as trusted spaces where individuals can find material support, as well as dignity, compassion, and solidarity.
While the discussion remained grounded in practical solutions, it reinforced the idea that immigration justice is not only a policy issue, but also a community and moral responsibility.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Coordination and Impact
The panel concluded with a shared recognition that Ohio has already developed strong foundations for immigration justice work — but that greater coordination and resource-sharing will be key to scaling impact.
Participants expressed interest in:
Expanding volunteer-based accompaniment programs
Strengthening awareness and use of the Ohio Immigrant Hotline
Building deeper partnerships across regions and sectors
Increasing access to legal and financial support
As immigration enforcement continues to evolve, the work presented at this panel demonstrates that community-driven, collaborative approaches can provide meaningful and immediate support to those most affected.
The Immigration Justice Work of Ohio panel offered a clear message: while immigration challenges remain complex, Ohio communities are actively building solutions rooted in support, coordination, and human dignity.
Through programs like accompaniment, initiatives like Build The Nest, financial assistance through FILA and other funds, and coalition efforts across regions, Ohio is developing a model of immigration justice that is both practical and deeply human-centered.
In a landscape often defined by policy debates, this work highlights the power of local action — and the critical role of community in shaping more just outcomes.
Watch a video of Demba greeting event participants.
