FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2025
Over 65 Cleveland Heights Businesses Stand With Immigrants
Cleveland Heights - For Cleveland Heights, the immigration raid at Cilantro in January hit home. Today, a new grassroots formation, Cleveland Heights 4 Immigrant Rights, announces a list of over 65 businesses who pledge to stand with immigrants in the face of federal attacks.
Said Sheila Keller, a Cleveland Heights resident involved in this effort, “For many of us, the Cilantro raid was the first time we saw the ugly face of immigration enforcement here in our community. Armed federal agents stormed a local restaurant, terrifying and abducting workers on a sunny Sunday in Coventry. So many of us in Cleveland Heights realized there was no option to sit on the sidelines and watch anymore. I am heartened by how quickly people came together to take action.”
Teams of volunteers organized themselves to travel Cleveland Heights neighborhoods, educating businesses about their rights if ICE comes, and asking them to pledge their support for immigrants. The message of the pledge is simple, but profound.
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.
Today, Cleveland Heights 4 Immigrant Rights published the list of businesses who signed onto the pledge, encouraging residents to patronize these establishments.
“The reason I got involved in this work is to stand up for people who are humans just like everyone trying to live their best life. Immigrants are and have been the lifeblood of this country. The persecution they are facing is unacceptable, and ensuring they have as many protections as possible will benefit the entire community,” said member Andres Alarcon.
Drew Herzig, another member of the group, added; “I'm a member of the LGBTQ+ community. We also are targets of this administration's scapegoating, erasure, and criminalization. We are all at risk now, it's only a matter of time. We must come together to resist the illegal and immoral actions of the current administration. Fight for democracy and justice, or succumb to fascism.”
“The people have power, and one way we can exercise it is by choosing where to spend our money. I’m proud to support local businesses who support our local community. That’s part of what makes Cleveland Heights great. Businesses who have not yet joined the effort are also invited to declare their support,” Keller said. “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 Cleveland Heights businesses who have pledged their support for immigrants.
ADD your business or nonprofit to the list.
SIGN the Ohio Stands With Immigrants petition for individuals.
JOIN Cleveland Heights 4 Immigrant Rights to participate in future activities.
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Cleveland Heights 4 Immigrant Rights is an organic, grassroots effort to turn support for the city’s immigrants and local businesses into meaningful action. Check out our website at heights4immigrants.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.