Demonstrators gather at Ohio Statehouse to support Latino community and protest ICE raids

More than 200 people gathered at the Ohio Statehouse Sunday afternoon to support the Latino community and demonstrate concern over President Trump’s immigration policies.

Carrying signs blasting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, protesters marched around the statehouse before congregating on the High Street side as passing drivers honked horns in support.

Chanting slogans including “No way, no fear, immigrants are welcome here!” and “No one is illegal on stolen land!” protesters also carried signs such as “Immigrants Make America Great,” “Humans are Not Illegal,” and “Love Builds, Hate Destroys.”

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Angel Cruz, with the LaRazaMovement, which organized the protest with other groups including Alianza 614, said the protest was designed to show support for Hispanic and related communities in light of the Trump administration’s effort to deport some immigrants.

“We’re here to show the Hispanic community not to be afraid of ICE,” Cruz said, adding that fear is already in the community. Cruz, who lives on the West Side, said traffic at central Ohio Hispanic markets and stores is already down, for example, because shoppers fear immigration raids.

Cruz said the protest, which was the latest in Columbus against Trump’s immigration policies, won’t be the last.

Those at the protest said they felt a need to show support for their community.

“It’s important we fight for our families,” said Jade Posadas of Columbus, who brought her extended family to the gathering. “I don’t want anyone to live in fear.”

Janet Romero of Columbus said she was here on behalf of her husband, who is afraid of being deported to his home country of Mexico after more than 30 years in the United States.

“My husband has been here his whole life,” she said. “He doesn’t want to go back to Mexico.”

jweiker@dispatch.com

@JimWeiker