Cuyahoga County Exec Vows to Keep Northeast Ohio Welcoming Amid Immigration Fears

Chris Ronayne says immigrants are key to the region's growth, pushes back against false crime narratives as ICE sightings worry community.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne has vowed to keep Northeast Ohio a welcoming place for immigrants, as the region grapples with rumors of potential immigration enforcement actions. Ronayne argues that immigrants have been integral to Cleveland's and the county's growth, and he has taken steps to support newcomers, including opening a Welcome Center. The county is also quietly shoring up immigrant resources as federal enforcement intensifies elsewhere, though Ronayne says he's not aware of any specific threats to the region.

Why it matters

Ronayne's comments come amid heightened fears over potential immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration, with unconfirmed reports of ICE sightings leaving the community on edge. The county executive is pushing back against false narratives linking immigrants to crime, arguing that newcomers are vital to the region's economic and population growth.

The details

Ronayne opened the county's Welcome Center in 2024 to provide resources and support to help immigrants put down roots, including finding jobs, buying homes, and starting businesses. In the last two years, the center has served over 13,500 people. The county has also quietly adjusted language and practices to avoid federal scrutiny and keep funding flowing, though one councilmember has suggested reversing those changes when Trump leaves office. Ronayne has been talking with nonprofits and others who work with immigrant communities about their rights and ensuring support resources continue.

  • In February 2024, Ronayne opened the Cuyahoga County Welcome Center.
  • In the last two years, the Welcome Center has served more than 13,500 people.

The players

Chris Ronayne

The Cuyahoga County Executive who is vowing to keep Northeast Ohio a welcoming place for immigrants.

Renee Nicole Good

A person whose death in immigration enforcement actions in cities like Columbus, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis has sparked protests nationwide, including in Cleveland.

Alex Pretti

A person whose death in immigration enforcement actions in cities like Columbus, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis has sparked protests nationwide, including in Cleveland.

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What they’re saying

“If someone finds their way to our city through proper immigration, we're here to help (them) grow here.”

— Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive (cleveland.com)

“The narratives that these people are selling drugs in our community are false narratives. We're not seeing people coming here to deal drugs. We're seeing people coming here to work in our hospitals.”

— Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Ronayne said he expects to receive advance notice if and when ICE agents do come to Ohio, and for enforcement officers to follow the law, though he's less confident he'll get similar warnings if ICE agents move into Cuyahoga County.

The takeaway

Cuyahoga County is taking steps to support and welcome immigrants, pushing back against false narratives about immigrants and crime, as the region grapples with heightened fears over potential immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration.