This was the first we had seen the ugly face of immigration enforcement, right in our community.

Armed federal agents stormed Cilantro, terrifying and abducting workers — valued members of the Cleveland Heights family — on a sunny Sunday in Coventry. The people of Cleveland Heights immediately jumped into action, galvanizing support for workers and the business.

Cleveland Heights 4 Immigrant Rights is an organic, grassroots effort to turn this support for immigrants and local businesses into meaningful action. For weeks, a team of volunteers canvassed Heights neighborhoods to educate businesses about their rights if ICE comes, and ask them to pledge their support for immigrants.

The message is simple:

I stand with the other business and community members here in Cleveland Heights in solidarity with immigrants in our community. I pledge to protect the rights of our immigrant community members here in Cleveland Height to the best of my ability.

We’re publishing the list of businesses who signed onto this basic but profound community agreement. We encourage you to patronize Cleveland Heights businesses who proudly declare that they stand with immigrants, and ask other local businesses to sign up today.

At a time when the federal government is attacking our communities, this is how we stand up for each other and keep Cleveland Heights a safe and welcoming place for all.

View the list of businesses who have signed on and add your Cleveland Heights business to the list.