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Residents urge Cleveland to enforce local laws against ICE actions and to back anti‑war resolutions
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Summary
Multiple public commenters asked council to clarify whether city police and the law department will enforce Cleveland ordinances if federal agents (ICE) act unlawfully and urged the council to adopt anti‑war resolutions related to Venezuela.
Several members of the public used the Jan. 12 public‑comment period to press Cleveland City Council for clearer policies on immigration enforcement and to urge the passage of anti‑war resolutions.
Terry Wong asked directly whether Cleveland police and the city's law department will investigate and treat alleged unlawful actions by ICE as crimes under local law, saying "not cooperating is not the same as enforcing the law" and requesting the mayor, law director and police chief to clarify enforcement steps. Wong emphasized that local laws against unlawful detention, excessive force and violent crime only protect residents if they are enforced.
Heather Hall of the Cleveland Liberation Center said she applauded Council President Griffin's prior denouncement of ICE and urged members to release statements, pass protective legislation, and use "every legal method" to protect residents; she also announced organizing meetings and a national call to action.
Joseph Lewis and Ronald Watkins asked council to sign anti‑war resolutions criticizing recent U.S. military action abroad; they framed such resolutions as a way for the city to register opposition and drew links between foreign policy, local budget priorities and potential domestic impacts on marginalized communities.
Council members acknowledged the public's concern and several councilmembers asked that the clerk 'hold a number' for formal condolence/resolution items related to victims and asked to be added to Councilman Davis's proposed resolution remembering a local victim of ICE‑related violence. The meeting record does not show council taking immediate formal votes on enforcement policy or on anti‑war resolutions during this session.
What this means: Activists asked Cleveland's elected leaders to clarify the city's enforcement stance toward federal immigration actions and to consider formal statements or resolutions opposing foreign military action; council members recorded support for memorial/condolence measures but did not adopt enforcement directives on the floor during this meeting.
