Cleveland Heights for Immigrant Rights (CH4IR) is a grassroots movement formed after the January 2025 ICE raid at Cilantro.
What began as neighbors showing up for one another has grown into a collective effort to protect the rights and dignity of immigrants in our community.
Standing Together for Immigrant Rights
In January 2025, an ICE raid at a local restaurant
made visible what many immigrant families already
live with every day.
Cleveland Heights residents refused to stay silent,
choosing to organize in solidarity rather than look away.
Our Primary Focus
Today, we're concentrating our efforts on two critical areas that directly impact immigrant families in our community.
Legal Counsel Legislation
Passing local legislation to ensure immigrants who are detained have access to legal counsel — legal representation can be the difference between safety and separation.
Community Defense Network
Increasing our community's ability to keep each other safe through Know Your Rights trainings and our ICE Defense Network.
Community Solidarity in Action
From the first days after the raid, our community has come together in countless ways to support immigrant families and build lasting protections.
Local Businesses Stand With Immigrants
Cleveland Heights businesses pledged their support and commitment to protecting immigrant workers and customers.
ICE Defense Network
People built an ICE Defense Network to keep the community safe through rapid response and mutual aid.
Neighborhood Canvassing & Training
Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.
Community Education Forums
CH4IR members organized education forums including teach-ins to build awareness and understanding.
Organizing at City Hall
Community members organized and advocated at City Hall, demanding local protections for immigrant families.
Vigils & Public Witness
Community gatherings to honor those affected and demonstrate our collective commitment to justice.
Ways to Support This Work
There are many ways to support this work, depending on your capacity and comfort level.
