The demonstration, backed by organizations including the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, follows a series of fatal shootings involving federal agents in other states this month. National advocacy groups have accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement of excessive force, sparking coordinated protests in major cities across the country.
Organizers say today’s Statehouse protest will include speeches, music, and a march through downtown Columbus. They’re urging supporters to walk off the job, close businesses, and halt normal activity for the day to highlight what they call “a crisis of federal accountability.”
Police have advised motorists to expect delays and temporary street closures around the Statehouse beginning early Friday afternoon. Additional security measures are in place, though officials say they anticipate a peaceful gathering.
Ohio leaders have not yet issued formal comments on the strike, but local immigrant-rights groups say they hope to push the issue onto lawmakers’ agendas before the upcoming legislative session resumes next week.