01/15/2026
From Laura Rodríguez Carbone:
The Cleveland Division of Police’s statement about ICE presence deserves clarification, and Clevelanders deserve the full picture. This isn’t it.
CDP states they’ve “found no evidence of ICE raids in Cleveland.” While I understand the intent may be to calm concerns, this language creates confusion about what’s actually happening in our communities.
ICE has been operating in Northeast Ohio for months. Community members have documented their presence. Their vehicles have been photographed across the region. Immigration lawyers locally have been called for help. These aren’t rumors—these are facts.
ICE enforcement in this administration is widely known to involve warrantless searches, violence, detentions of U.S. citizens, and demands for documentation based on appearance. If you’re Latino, Asian, Black, or simply present when enforcement actions occur, you may experience harassment or detention regardless of your status.
CDP’s statement focuses specifically on “raids,” but ICE conducts many types of operations: targeted surveillance, traffic stops, courthouse monitoring, and home visits. These activities can escalate quickly and unexpectedly. How do we know people’s rights haven’t been abused during these actions? Whether these actions qualify as “raids” or not, people need accurate information about federal enforcement activity in their neighborhoods if it is available. Especially now.
To our officials: people being worried doesn’t mean people are panicking. People want to feel safe, or as safe as is possible. This statement, I believe, was released with that in mind. But people want to be prepared. Whether ICE is within Cleveland city limits at this point in time is irrelevant. We know how ICE is operating across the country. Fear and distress are understandable and relevant reactions.
Everyone should do what they can to be informed, know their rights, and continue to be vigilant regardless of what any statement says. We all know how quickly things can change.
Statement Regarding Reported ICE Sightings in Cleveland.
