Protesters held signs and chanted outside several local hotels, including the Embassy Suites off Interstate 270 in Westerville, where federal agents are believed to be staying. The demonstrations began Saturday morning, drawing community organizers, students, and local residents concerned about the effects of the operation on undocumented families.
According to witnesses, crowds remained peaceful but passionate, with protesters calling for an immediate halt to ICE activity. Some participants carried banners reading *“No Deportations in Ohio”* and *“Stop Operation Buckeye.”*
ICE officials have not commented publicly on the scope or objectives of the operation, though local advocacy groups report an uptick in immigration enforcement actions in Franklin and Delaware counties. In a brief statement released last week, ICE said its operations “focus on individuals with outstanding removal orders or who pose public safety threats.”
Community leaders and immigrant rights organizations have pledged to continue organizing demonstrations throughout the week. “Westerville has always been a welcoming place,” said one organizer, “and we won’t stand by while our neighbors are targeted.”
As of Monday morning, no major incidents or arrests related to the protests had been reported. Police have monitored the gatherings but have not intervened, describing the protests as orderly.
