The Cleveland Heights community is taking a stand against the mistreatment of immigrants and fighting for the freedom of all noncitizens and residents. The group Cleveland Heights for Immigrant Rights was formed in April, 3 months after workers from a local restaurant were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

On Jan. 26, armed ICE agents entered Cilantro Taqueria in Coventry Village in search of an employee with a criminal record. After they found the employee no longer worked there, they instead arrested six other employees without any incriminating evidence. Five of the workers were later released due to their clean criminal record, while one remains in custody because of a prior removal order.

Soon after the incident occurred, community members and business owners joined together to create change. What started as a small group of volunteers canvassing the community for support grew to include 77 businesses.

To show its support and formally join the group, each business signed a pledge which reads: “I stand with the other business and community members here in Cleveland Heights in solidarity with immigrants in our city. I pledge to protect the rights of our immigrant community members here in Cleveland Heights to the best of my ability.”

The group has a nine-page proposal that states its ideals, beliefs and plans to guarantee community safety. The proposal starts by emphasizing the people’s rights, the importance and diversity of Cleveland Heights’ citizens and the problems already faced by citizens of the city and country. It proceeds to list nine sections, ranging from “Legal Counsel for Immigrants” to “Support of Crime Victims.” Each section states a requirement for public officials and law enforcement to follow, a further explanation of citizens’ rights or their demands for the city.

Aside from fighting for immigrant rights, the group also aims to educate community members about their rights and the rights of those around them. They host meetings, trainings and post information on their social media in order to help Cleveland Heights’ residents be prepared and educated.

In an interview with Spectrum News, Verónica Martínez, one of the newer members of Cleveland Heights for Immigrant Rights, said, “Our plans for the future it is to continue gathering, to continue uniting and to continue working. We’re going to continue preparing people, so they know their rights.”