Concerned community members gathered Thursday night to discuss knowing their rights after city officials confirmed an increase in federal immigration activity.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Dozens of concerned residents gathered Thursday at a Columbus community center to respond to city leaders confirming earlier in the day an increase in federal immigration operations in the city. 

State Rep. Ismail Mohamed, D-Columbus, who helped organize the meeting on short notice, said the goal was to respond quickly to growing fear in the community.

“I started getting calls literally yesterday from people worried about driving, about going to work, about being questioned because of their immigration status,” Mohamed told 10TV. “So this was about bringing people together, providing resources and reminding them of their constitutional rights.”

Some attendees said the reported activity has created anxiety among families, particularly those with children in local schools.

“They want to create fear. I don’t want my kids to see that,” said Celal Sarikamis, principal of Horizon Science Academy.

Sarikamis was among several leaders with Horizon Schools who said federal agents were seen earlier Thursday near school property. 

“We did have ICE agents in our parking lots today,” said Jessica Shoaf, the network’s director of teaching and learning. “They did confront two of our employees.”

After the stops occurred, Sarikamis said the school’s administrative team referenced a plan they already had in place and brought in additional security officers to the building.

“The schools, I know, seem to be a scary place right now. Parents are afraid to come to our schools, but we do have lots safety procedures and protocols in place,” said Heather Duchene, assistant principal at Horizon Science Academy. “Your students are safe at our school.”

At a press conference Thursday afternoon, city officials stressed that Columbus is not assisting with federal immigration enforcement. Mayor Andrew Ginther also said they received no advance notice.

“While some may say they’re here to make Columbus safer, the fact is Columbus is already safe,” Ginther said. “We have not asked for and do not need this intervention.”

He pointed to a 2017 executive order he signed during the first Trump administration stating that Columbus will not use city resources to assist ICE unless criminal activity is involved. 

“This means that we will not aid investigations and close residents solely based on their immigration status,” Ginther said. “Our city will not be a vehicle for discrimination or fear.”

Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant echoed that sentiment, saying Columbus police do not work collaboratively with federal immigration agencies and are not participating in the operations.

“We don’t want anyone in our community to fear calling the police in a time of need. That does not serve public safety,” she said.

10TV News has not independently confirmed the reports of federal activity and continues to seek comment from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security.

At least one city council member said the timing of the apparent operations appeared intentional, coming as the holiday season approaches.

“We’re heading into the holiday season. This was deliberate,” said City Council Member Lourdes Barroso de Padilla. “This is when people knew you would be out, buying their holiday meals, buying holiday presents.”

“If you don’t feel safe, you should not leave your home. It pains me to say that, but those folks should ensure that if they’re meeting, they understand what the risks are, they understand what their rights are,” she added.

Ginther said he would keep residents informed as the situation is fluid and could evolve.

“We’re sharing the best information we have with you about what we’ve seen and have heard in the last 24 hours or so. But we should assume, if it is similar to other places around the country, it may change,” he said.