2025 was a long year. At the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, we’re really proud of the work we did. From launching the OhioIsHome.org resource website and Ohio Immigrant Hotline, to working with local leaders who are pushing back on immigration detention contracts; from organizing volunteers to keeping the public informed about what is happening in our communities, our work is energetic, committed, strategic, and effective.

We want to thank the many volunteers and activists who are showing up in support of Ohio immigrants in a million ways. You know that Ohio is home for those who choose to make it so, and you are making it a safer, more welcoming place.

From December 13 to 14, Yeumbeul Nord — one of Senegal’s most vibrant yet underserved suburbs — became the epicenter of the largest technology gathering ever organized in the country’s banlieue (suburbs). Banlieue Smart Days, an initiative born from lived experience and a deep commitment to youth empowerment, brought together more than 1,000 participants over two days of learning, innovation, and inspiration.

In Central Ohio, the federal government has unleashed untrained individuals from outside the community, who think they are unaccountable. But greater Columbus has responded in one voice. From the grassroots, which quickly organized itself in sophisticated ways, to civic leaders and faith-based institutions, Columbus is sending a unified message: Immigrants are welcome, ICE is not. Read on for quotes from leaders; more examples of ICE brutality; and resources keeping the community safe.

On December 13, OIA hosted our first holiday pop-up shop with Bomani Beauty MD — a local Afro Caribbean, veteran, and family-owned vegan skincare and cosmetics company — at Hexagon Books in Cleveland Heights. Shoppers loved Bomani Beauty's all-natural skin, hair, and bodycare line. The passionfruit oil glosses and cupuaçu butter products were instant hits. Nounou chose the clear gloss and Lynn picked up a big jar of the Lemongrass Lavender Tropical Ting. Ibrahima ordered three jars, one for him and each of his brothers.

On November 15, people across the state streamed into Chez Rama the Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s first-ever Family Reunion. It was a chance to be together in person, at the end of a difficult year.

Video highlights will be posted soon. For now, check out a photo recap.

Shining the spotlight on some elected officials who will be continuing office, or assuming new roles, in 2026.

Anisa Liban was elected to the Westerville School Board, retaining a seat to which she was appointed. Anisa is the first Black Muslim and Somali woman elected to serve on a school board in Ohio! OIA proudly worked with Anisa, United Bantu of Ohio, Zamzam Women & Family Center, State Rep. Munira Abdullahi, and CAIR-Ohio’s Columbus and Cincinnati Office to draw attention to the horrific hate crime against a Columbus mom earlier this year. The Columbus Police had failed to take action against the assailants, whose crime was caught on video, and we turned to the media to attempt to bring “Faith” the accountability and justice she deserved.   

Austin Davis was elected to represent Ward 7 on the Cleveland City Council. Austin represented one of our heroes from the #ReuniteUS campaign in a lawsuit against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CoreCivic. This man and his legal team achieved a settlement in a medical neglect case that allowed him to obtain surgery so he can walk again. Austin also represented Cleveland Heights resident and OIA friend Jonas Nsongi Mbonga in his immigration case before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Nadia Rasoul, a U.S citizen of Palestinian heritage, became the first Muslim woman elected to Hilliard City Council and Ajmeri Hoque became the first Bangladeshi, Muslim, and naturalized citizen to be elected judge in Franklin County. Hoque was honored with the Spirit of Justice Award at CAIR-Ohio’s banquet in Columbus earlier this year.

Are there other officials you think we should highlight? Comment on social media to tell us who and why. 

The WTF Community Event was a space focused on art, healing, and action, featuring live music, hands-on art, wellness offerings, and opportunities to connect with other organizations doing meaningful work. Maryam was warmly welcomed by the community, and also got reaffirming messages that Ohioans indeed want immigrants to feel at home. 

CAIR-Ohio’s Columbus and Cincinnati Office honored OIA’s Executive Director, Lynn Tramonte, with the Trailblazer Award. The Honorable Cori Bush gave a keynote speech at the banquet.

View photos and Tramonte’s video and statement here.

Ben & Jerry’s Foundation was the first funder to back the Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s ground-breaking #ReuniteUS campaign, which was launched after the first Trump administration. #ReuniteUS brings visibility to people who were deported, creating a platform for them to talk about their lives in the U.S. and why they want to come home. The people behind #ReuniteUS were the subject of a book, “Broken Hope: Deportation and the Road Home, which you can download for free here.

To commemorate 40 years of social justice funding, the Foundation is recognizing 40 organizations through a series of social media videos. Watch this video featuring OIA Executive Director Lynn Tramonte and some of the people involved in #ReuniteUS. Learn more about our campaign here.

There’s a new way to support the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, and spread the message that migration is a basic act of being human! Head over to our new Bonfire Store and pick up a t-shirt, belt bag, or sling bag for yourself and everyone on your gift list.

Art helps us process the idea of “place,” especially when governments build borders overnight, and force us to live between them. Indigenous people understand this better than anyone.

Get to The Sculpture Center in Cleveland before November 8 to see Federico Cuatlacuatl’s exhibit, “Xoxal: Baño de Fuego.”

For the first time ever, we’re making digital versions of the Ohio Migration Anthology completely free! Download Volume 1, “Far From Their Eyes,” here and Volume 2, “(Everything Is) Cells and Bodies,” here.

Ohio Immigrant Alliance is proud to announce its new website and partnership with Apogee Travel, the only hotel booking website that rewards travelers while supporting the causes they care about. The new website — ohioimmigrant.org — was designed by Honey Creative.

OIA supporters can now give back to the Ohio Immigrant Alliance mission, just by booking a hotel stay through a dedicated link on Apogee’s website, without spending a penny more. 

With Apogee Travel, travelers book the same hotels at the same prices found on major travel sites. But what sets Apogee apart is its triple benefit model. Travelers continue to earn hotel brand loyalty points, get cash back through Apogee Bucks ^TM, and support Ohio Immigrant Alliance at no added cost. 

Today, Ayman Soliman was released from immigration jail and his legal asylum status was reinstated. Some of his best friends, supporters, and attorneys met him outside the Butler County Jail.

At 5pm, Mr. Soliman, his attorneys, and his community will gather at the Clifton Mosque in Cincinnati to celebrate this tremendous victory.

The Fulani people are the largest nomadic ethnic group in the world, with significant presence in Ohio. Houleye Thiam, whose poetry was featured in Volume 1 of the Ohio Migration Anthology, anchored “Pulaagam: A Celebration of Fulani Heritage,” an event curated by Maryam Sy.

Thiam welcomed the crowd with a brief introduction to Fulani pride and the program. “In Fulani culture,” she said, “in order for you to shine, I don't have to dim my light. We can all shine together.”