By Okon Ekpenyong

On February 11, 2025, Ohio House Democratic Representatives Ismail Mohamed, Munira Abdullahi, and Anita Somani—all first—and second-generation immigrants—joined Representative Cecil Thomas and community advocates to support Ohio’s immigrant community strongly. They denounced the destructive attacks initiated by the current administration and local state officials.

The House Democrats assert that its impetus for advocacy is to secure resources for individuals anxious about potential deportation under President Trump’s orders. However, supporters of Ohio Bill 26, called the “Protecting Ohio Communities Act,” including Republican Rep. Josh Williams from the Sylvania area, contend they wish people to be in the country legally, not illegally. They maintain that anyone not adhering to legal entry processes violates the law.

Representative Mohamed argues that immigration should be a strength rather than a liability. He highlights that the nation has historically served as a melting pot for individuals fleeing civil wars political extremism, and those pursuing improved opportunities abroad.

He believes the contributions of refugees and immigrants have consistently enriched the nation. Rep. Munira further emphasizes that our strength lies in unity, and we will keep striving to create the world we desire—a world where our needs are fulfilled, safety is assured, and freedoms are respected, she states.

House Democrats are appealing to their Republican counterparts and the federal government to dismiss false narratives about migrant communities. They are requesting an end to proposed legislation that undermines the diligent men and women from refugee and immigrant backgrounds. Additionally, such narratives perpetuate a harmful image of those genuinely seeking to establish new lives.

Dr. Dorothy Hassan, the CEO of our organization, was joined by a coalition of community advocates, including Gary Daniels from the ACLU, Yola Lamarre from the Haitian Community Network, and many others, demonstrating solidarity during the press conference on February 11.

In Springfield, Ohio, the rising number of Haitian migrants became a key point of discussion in the 2024 Presidential debate between President Trump and then Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump alleged that Haitians were stealing pet cats and dogs for food, a claim that community leaders strongly refuted. These allegations sparked fears regarding public safety within the Haitian community; however, local leaders and residents of Springfield stood firm, challenging the claims and advocating for their rights.

After commencing his second term on January 20, President Trump put into effect over 75 executive orders, with 13 explicitly targeting immigration and national security. One of these orders aims to abolish birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants potentially, a measure that attorneys general from over 18 states have vowed to contest in court.

Following President Trump’s executive orders, a report from Statista.com dated February 10, 2025, reveals that as of February 5, approximately 4,094 migrants from Mexico, 306 from Colombia, 265 from Guatemala, and 80 from Ecuador have been deported. According to multiple reports, more than 8,276 individuals have been arrested, and 6,577 have been detained. The administration claims it focuses on individuals with criminal histories or those sought by authorities in their home countries who have escaped to the United States.

Moreover, President Trump’s directive has suspended refugee resettlement initiatives for four months. It promises to expedite the deportation of those who have already applied but do not meet the required criteria.

Since starting his second term as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump has instituted several executive actions regarding immigration policy. The following measures have been implemented:

• On January 20, Initiated presidential actions aimed at protecting the American populace against what has been described as an “invasion.”
• On February 11, Launched the “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative.
• January 20: Increased security measures at United States borders.
• Directives were issued on January 20 to protect the nation from foreign terrorists and other security and public safety threats.
• On January 20: Established protocols to ensure state defense against invasion.
• January 29: Expanded operations at the migrant facility located at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to full capacity.
• February 6: Imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court.
• On January 20, signed the United States refugee admissions program.

While many people applaud these executive orders, others, including Reps Ismail Mohamed, Munira Abdullahi, and Anita Somani, criticize how some individuals are utilizing these orders to unjustly target refugee and immigrant communities, particularly those who are lawfully abiding by the laws.

Since Trump started his second term and focused on mass deportations, many refugees and migrants have been frightened to go anywhere, access medical insurance, or look for any resources.

Rep. Somani, who is the child of immigrants, expresses her worries regarding the alarming aggression exhibited at the federal level towards immigrant communities. The representative, also a licensed practicing OB-GYN, wishes to emphasize the importance of protecting patients’ privacy and safety within healthcare settings.

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