People arriving to grab lunch at Cilantro Taqueria in Cleveland Heights on Monday didn’t walk away with a meal. Instead, after social media posts about an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at the shop on Sunday night, people found the restaurant closed.
Large handmade signs of support were taped to one of the restaurant’s windows, and bouquets of white flowers sat in front of its glass door. “We care about you and support you” was written in Spanish with bright markers on one sign.
Steve Smith stopped to write a personal message to the restaurant’s owners and staff. Smith said he lives nearby and eats at the restaurant a couple of times a month.
“Good people, good people and good food,” he said.
Local and federal officials did not confirm the raid, but worries flared on social media. Advocacy organizations asked people not to share unverified information and urged calm as others said the raid was an example of President Trump’s commitment to increase deportations.
‘I’m going to organize. I’m going to protest.’
Cleveland City Council Member Jasmin Santana said it’s just a matter of time before federal immigration raids that have sparked fear across the country reach Cleveland. During Monday night’s council meeting, Santana said she started the day receiving calls about nearby arrests of Latino residents who were working in kitchens to make ends meet and support their families.
“Now they are in the Geauga County Jail,” she said.
Santana said she was disheartened at the lack of protests, statements from local organizations or calls from people offering help to the Latino community.
“I’m going to tell you, I am not going to be quiet about this issue. I’m going to organize. I’m going to protest,” Santana said.
She said she planned to ask Mayor Justin Bibb to issue a statement and for the city to put a plan in place to protect working Latino families.
How many people are being held in Northeast Ohio?
When people are detained by ICE in Northeast Ohio, they typically are held at a facility in Chardon. The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office has a contract to house federal prisoners and detainees, Chief Deputy Tom Rowan said.
In total, the county facility is currently holding 58 detainees, he said.
“We’ve had 50 to 60 [ICE detainees] over the last six to seven months,” he said. “That is not outside the norm.”
If you are stopped by police or ICE
They include:
- You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country. (Separate rules apply at international borders and airports, and for individuals on certain nonimmigrant visas, including tourists and business travelers.)
- You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud. (In some states, you may be required to provide your name if asked to identify yourself.)
- You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon.
- If you are arrested by police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer.
- If you are detained by ICE, you have the right to consult with a lawyer, but the government is not required to provide one for you. You can ask for a list of free or low-cost alternatives.
Signal Cleveland’s Helen Maynard, Frank W. Lewis and Rachel Dissell contributed to this report.
