Fear Grows in Columbus as ICE Steps Up Actions

In Columbus, Ohio, new citizens are carrying their passports everywhere. Shops and immigrant aid groups are delivering supplies to those too afraid to leave their homes. Churches in these neighborhoods are nearly empty.

Why? Because Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been highly active recently.

Not Just Columbus

Similar actions have been seen in New Orleans and Charlotte. These cities share a common trait: they are led by Democrats but are in Republican-dominated states.

Operation Buckeye

ICE reported arresting 10 men in Ohio as part of "Operation Buckeye." They claim these individuals had criminal records and were in the country illegally. However, ICE has not disclosed how many were actually caught during this operation.

Community Response

Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, the first Latina on the City Council, stated they expected ICE to target Columbus. Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has clarified that city police will not assist ICE in arrests based solely on immigration status. This has sparked heated online debates.

Fear and Uncertainty

The situation remains tense. People are worried—not just about the arrests, but the fear they bring. What does this mean for Columbus communities? And what comes next?