Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb clarified that his city is taking a stand for the rights and humanity of immigrants in the community. In a statement released by the City of Cleveland yesterday, Bibb expressly condemned acts that aim to intimidate vulnerable groups, particularly immigrants working and living in the city.
Addressing recent incidents that have caused concern among immigration advocates, Mayor Bibb stated, provided by the City of Cleveland's official website, "Arresting immigrants working in a suburban restaurant does not make us safer. Targeting schools, hospitals, and places of worship is obscene." He emphasized that these individuals have enriched Cleveland with their diverse talents and cultures through generations. Moreover, he clarified his administration's stance, asserting that his administration "will not engage in the deportation of individuals who have not committed violent crimes," highlighting that there's no legal requirement for the city to participate in federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Mayor Bibb stressed the role of Cleveland police in maintaining public safety, but not at the cost of playing political games. The federal government, he suggested, should redirect its law enforcement focus on serious issues such as human, drug, and gun trafficking, which involve international crime operations. "We stand ready to support federal efforts to combat human trafficking, drug trafficking, gun trafficking—any number of offenses that may involve international actors," he stated through the City of Cleveland's official website.
Bibb reminded Clevelanders of the country's foundational laws and civil liberties in his call for solidarity and community strength. Resources for immigrant support and legal aid can be found at local organizations, including the Cuyahoga County Welcome Center and Health and Human Services, Global Cleveland, Re:Source Cleveland, and the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. "Our strength comes from our people, and Cleveland is strongest when we act together," Bibb asserted via the City of Cleveland.
