May 23-30 Week of Action
ACROSS OHIO – Faith leaders, advocates, and community members gather for a statewide Week of Action featuring interfaith vigils in solidarity with people held in civil immigration detention (ICE jail) between May 23 and May 30. These peaceful events include prayer, reflection, and brief speaking programs. Participants are calling for an end to ICE detention, transparency in detention facility funding, and an end to 287(g) agreements. Community members are encouraged to attend a vigil near them or organize one in their area.
WHO: Faith leaders and interfaith clergy; local organizers; and community members
WHEN: May 23 – May 30, 2026
WHERE: Vigils will take place outside each ICE detention facility in Ohio.
- Geauga County Jail — May 28, 7:00 PM–8:30 PM
- Mahoning County Jail (Youngstown) — May 28, 6:00 PM
- Butler County Jail (Hamilton) — May 30, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
- Northeast Ohio Correctional Center — May 30, 1:00 PM in the gravel lot north of the facility entrance
- Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio (CCNO) — May 30, 4:00 PM
WHY: People across Ohio are uniting to shine a light on the realities of immigration detention and to demand dignity, transparency, and justice for all people. These vigils will uplift the voices of Ohioans dealing with detention and deportation, calling attention to the human costs of current immigration policies and the need for systemic change. Ohioans of all faiths believe we have a moral responsibility to welcome and care for immigrants who want to make Ohio their home, and oppose policies that separate families, undermine due process, and detain individuals simply for profit.
On May 30, at 4 pm, we will gather for an interfaith prayer vigil outside of CCNO, praying that our leaders find compassion in their hearts and gather the wisdom to end this carceral contract, once and for all. This will be the final vigil in a series of statewide events outside each immigration jail between May 23 and 30.
WHAT: Interfaith prayer vigil outside CCNO
WHEN: May 30, 4:00 PM
WHERE: 03151 County Road 24.25, Stryker
WHO: Community members from across the region
WHY: Because immigrants accused of civil violations don’t belong in jails
CONTACT: Jess Molina (Jessmolina2407@gmail.com or 419-308-7129)
We are demanding:
- Call for the creation of an independent immigrant detainee ombudsman to monitor: medical care, due process protections, release timelines, and detainee grievances at CCNO.
- Rescind the bed agreement with ICE.
- Oppose the expansion of 287(g) agreements and urge counties and local agencies not to enter into ICE cooperation contracts.
CONTACTS:
Statewide: Ohio Immigrant Alliance (hotline@ohioimmigrant.org or 419-777-HELP)
Geauga: Holly Riggle (dlsg85@gmail.com)
Mahoning: Chris Harris (meadowbirds005@proton.me or 330-314-3055)
Butler: Rev. Emily Kvalheim (she/her) (umcimmigrationministriesohio@gmail.com)
NEOCC: Chris Harris (meadowbirds005@proton.me or 330-314-3055)
CCNO: Jess Molina (Jessmolina2407@gmail.com or 419-308-7129)