East Cleveland passes historic ordinance to restrict ICE cooperation

In a historic move, the city of East Cleveland has passed a first-of-its-kind ordinance designed to restrict local law enforcement's cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Reported by WKYC on February 13, 2026, the ordinance is part of a broader effort to protect immigrant families and ensure that all residents feel safe contacting local police without the fear of deportation. The legislation prohibits city employees and police officers from using city resources to assist ICE in civil immigration enforcement actions, making East Cleveland one of the most proactive cities in the region regarding the protection of its immigrant population. The passage of the bill was met with cheers from local activists and community members who have been advocating for such protections for years.

The ordinance is seen as a direct response to the increasing anxiety within immigrant communities following federal shifts in immigration policy. By formalizing these restrictions, East Cleveland is taking a stand on the side of family unity and community trust. According to the WKYC report, the city council voted overwhelmingly in favor of the measure, citing the importance of maintaining a clear separation between local public safety duties and federal immigration enforcement. Supporters of the ordinance argue that when residents are afraid of the police, the entire community is less safe because crimes go unreported and witnesses are hesitant to come forward. The new law aims to rebuild that trust by guaranteeing that the city will not be a willing participant in federal efforts to remove residents based on their immigration status.

Opposition to the ordinance has come from some federal officials and critics who argue that it could lead to increased crime and a breakdown of the rule of law. However, East Cleveland officials remain confident in their decision, emphasizing that their primary responsibility is to the people who live and work within their city limits. The story notes that this ordinance could serve as a model for other cities in Ohio and across the country that are looking for ways to protect their residents from federal overreach. As the law goes into effect, the city will begin training its employees on the new protocols to ensure full compliance. This landmark decision marks a significant moment in the city's history and highlights the growing role of local government in the national debate over immigration and human rights.