Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, work, school, and in their community. Columbus is a diverse and vibrant city that has become a “second country” to people from all over the world. We celebrate the Somali, Haitian, Bhutanese, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Indian, Mauritanian, Chinese, Senegalese, Honduran, and other people who have brought their talents, skills, and families to this city.
On June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Syria, stripping legal protections from thousands of Ohioans despite the fact that the administration’s decision was rooted in racism. Driver’s licenses and work permits will expire soon. ICE has signaled more arrests are coming, although the truth is, ICE never left Columbus after Operation Buckeye began.
Columbus City Council passed ordinances prohibiting detention centers in the city, banning city employees from also working for ICE, and restricting ICE from public property without a court order. Community members built 614 ICE Watch and rapid response and mutual aid networks, and engaged in acts of creative obstruction. We work together. We keep each other informed. And we keep each other safe. This moment calls for more of all of it.
COLUMBUS Spotlight
Top Actions to TakE
JOIN THE CENTRAL OHIO COMMUNITY RESPONSE HUB: Learn more and apply to become part of the Community Response Hub here.
SUPPORT LOCAL GROUPS: Organizations really need financial donations at this time, and some also need volunteers. Our Helpers is an amazing group in Columbus that provides food assistance and other direct support. Donate to them here and sign up to volunteer here. For a list of Haitian-led organizations, scroll down.
USE YOUR VOICE: Call Senators Husted and Moreno, and tell them to pass the Haiti Emergency Relief Act, which already cleared the U.S. House on a bipartisan basis. This bill would extend TPS through the end of the Trump administration. You can reach their DC offices by calling the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and asking to be transferred to their offices. After making your phone calls, email them here.
SIGN UP for the Ohio Immigrant Alliance email list to stay informed on the news, calls to action, and more ways to get involved.
DONATE: Donations to OIA support our statewide coordination work, the Detained Immigrants’ Commissary Fund, and Ohio Immigrant Hotline! You can even sponsor a day, week, or month of the Hotline’s operations, on your own or as part of a group.
WEAR/SHARE YOUR SUPPORT: Wearing an Ohio Is Home or Migration Is Human t-shirt, carrying a bag or water bottle, or planting a flag on your lawn is another way to spread positive vibes and support immigrants. OIA has an online merch store, and we are also selling copies of the “Ohio Is My Second Country” coloring book!
SHOW UP AT AN EVENT: Ohio organizations are hosting trainings, community-building events, and other actions. Check the Ohio Is Home website for events and other ways to get involved.
VOLUNTEER: If you want to volunteer with OIA, join the Phone Buddy or Immigrant Accompaniment Programs. You must receive training and sign a non-disclosure agreement to participate. Learn more and sign up here.
SPREAD AWARENESS: If the public doesn't know about an injustice, they can't join efforts to end it. Talk to your local community, family, friends, and affinity groups about the reasons you support immigration. Here are some tips.
SEND A LOVE NOTE: Send a message of solidarity to communities being targeted by ICE, and those working on the ground to protect them.
Haitian COMMUNITY RESOURCES IN COLUMBUS
HaCoNet (Haitian Community Network) — haconet.org
Columbus-based nonprofit connecting the Haitian community to education, health, civic engagement, legal consultation, and social services. Runs a Family Support Program for new Haitian immigrants and a Haitian Health Initiative for the medically underserved. Phone/WhatsApp: 614-600-5530.
LASCO (Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio) — lasco.org
Free civil legal help for low-income individuals in 36 counties, including Franklin. Handles immigration, housing, family law, and public benefits cases. Columbus office: 888-246-4420.
Catholic Diocese of Columbus, African & Haitian Ministry — columbuscatholic.org/african-haitian-ministry
Provides faith care and community support for Haitian Catholics in Columbus. Monthly Haitian Masses held at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish (2nd through 4th Sundays).
Haitian Community Alliance (HCA)— haitiancommunityalliance.org
Consortium of 50+ organizations providing language services, integration support, youth programming, and healthcare access. Runs the Creole Connect Hotline for Haitians navigating local services. Hotline (non-emergency): 937-777-3738.