By Angela Hay
The Cleveland Observer
In June, President Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). City and state leaders insisted that federal intervention was not necessary, but thousands of troops remained in the city for months. Since then, Trump has sent Guard members to five additional cities and threatened several others, causing many Cleveland residents to wonder if their city will be next.
In a Sept. opinion piece for The Washington Times, Ohio Congressman Max Miller called for Cleveland to be added to the president’s list. He cited crime statistics from 2023 and argued that his constituents “should be able to go to a Guardians, Browns or Cavs game without fearing for their lives.”
At a Nov. press conference, both Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb refuted the idea that the National Guard is needed in Cleveland. Instead, they highlighted a multifaceted law enforcement initiative that includes local, state, and federal agencies. These anti-crime efforts are already in effect in Cleveland and Cincinnati, where authorities use minor infractions like trespassing and traffic violations to seize illegal firearms and arrest people with outstanding warrants.
So far, Cleveland has not been included in the president’s remarks on the topic.
Is there cause to send the National Guard to Cleveland?
In 2023, Cleveland’s public health department reported 38.6 homicides per 100,000 residents, more than four times the national average. The same report indicated that Black males between the ages 18-44 were most likely to be victims of homicide and that homicides among minor children had increased for two years in a row. Additionally, Black females comprised 72% of emergency room visits resulting from domestic violence.
In comparison, Washington, D.C., where Trump deployed the National Guard in August, reported 26 homicides per 100,000 residents, representing the lowest rate the city has seen since 2019.
If the rates in Washington constitute a “crime emergency,” as the President has indicated, Cleveland’s situation could be considered dire as well.
The most recent statistics, however, indicate that crime in Cleveland is decreasing in nearly all categories, including homicides, shootings, violent crimes, and robberies. These statistics support the argument that Ohio-led crime prevention initiatives are effective and that federal support is not necessary.
So far, President Trump has only sent the National Guard to cities led by Democrats and listed as “sanctuary cities”, where local leaders have committed to some protections for undocumented immigrants.
Neither Ohio nor Cleveland is included on the Justice Department’s sanctuary list.
How to respond if the National Guard is sent to Cleveland
Each city has responded differently to the presence of ICE and the National Guard.
Once anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles subsided, troops were left with little to do, and some were released by President Trump to help fight wildfires. In Portland, Oregon, city and state leaders spoke out against the deployment, and residents protested by dancing in inflatable frog, cow and unicorn costumes. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson promised to use “every tool available” to protect the city, saying, “This is going to play out in the courts. It’s going to play out on the streets.”
The legality of the deployments is currently being debated, with some courts supporting the President’s actions and others prohibiting them. Most recently, federal judges have ruled that the Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles deployments must end, though both of these judgments are likely to be appealed.
Cleveland residents facing federal law enforcement can choose from several legal protest strategies:
- Know your rights. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) offers helpful fact sheets on immigrants’ rights, protesters’ rights, the rights of those stopped by the police, and the rights of those interacting with military troops.
- Record interactions with federal agents. Having documentation is necessary for legal battles and helps raise awareness. Be aware, however, that agents may pay unwanted attention to people seen recording.
- Join community activists or support groups. Share your concerns and plan meaningful responses with like-minded people in your area. Churches, labor unions, and political groups have all been involved in recent demonstrations. The group IndivisibleNEO organizes weekly protests “to fight back in defense of our rights, our communities, and our values.”
- Protect yourself and your family. Consider actions you can take on your own to protect what you care about. This could include making sure your passport is current, resolving outstanding warrants, or building a savings account. If you’re in a position of privilege, brainstorm strategies to support more vulnerable communities.
Deployment Unlikely, but stay alert
At this point, deployment of the national guard to Cleveland is unlikely, but the situation is still evolving. The city’s immigration policies and declining crime rate indicate that additional intervention is not needed at this time. Concerned residents can prepare by getting educated about their rights, joining local activist groups, and developing personal protective strategies.
