Local immigrant-rights group urges Oberlin to reaffirm past council resolutions and circulate 'know-your-rights' guidance

Steve Volk, representing the local nonprofit Oberlin Community Supporting Immigrants (OCSI), urged Oberlin City Council on Jan. 21 to reaffirm past council resolutions and to circulate clear "know-your-rights" information for immigrants amid shifting federal policy.

Volk summarized three past council actions and urged continuity. "In 02/2003 ... council adopted resolution O 3 15" reaffirming support for constitutional rights and opposition to federal measures that single out individuals, he said. He also cited a 02/2009 resolution "O 8 14" that said city services shall not be denied on the basis of citizenship and that the city would not participate in delegation of immigration authority through INA section 287. He said council reaffirmed those positions in a 2017 resolution ("17 O 4"). "It is our understanding that these resolutions ''remain the policy and the practice of the city of Oberlin," Volk said.

Volk warned of rapidly evolving federal proposals and urged local action to protect community members. He reviewed constitutional protections that apply to residents regardless of immigration status (Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments) and demonstrated operational steps such as distinguishing a DHS civil warrant from a judicial warrant. "If we ignore the rights of some members of our community, we will soon find that our own rights will be at risk," he said.

Councilors and community members asked about practical outreach. Volk and OCSI described a recent "know-your-rights" workshop at the Oberlin Public Library and said OCSI will produce regular legal and legislative updates via an email list and website postings. He also offered printed "red cards" in multiple languages that state rights succinctly and can be handed to agents during an encounter; the cards include text such as "I do not wish to speak to you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my Fifth Amendment rights."

Volk said OCSI is coordinating regionally with similar volunteer groups in Cleveland-area communities and working with local employers, churches and El Centro to provide culturally appropriate outreach and vaccination access. Councilors praised the library event and asked for the email list and card templates.

Why it matters: Council has passed prior resolutions on immigrant rights and may be called to restate policy or adopt further guidance if federal enforcement posture changes. OCSI requested no new resolution now but asked council to be prepared to act if circumstances change.

Ending: Volk offered to leave paper sign-up lists and templates for council and to share email-list subscription information with city staff. Council members praised the outreach and discussed next steps for coordinated communication.