Columbus Businesses Rally Against ICE Enforcement Actions

Restaurants, bars, and shops in Columbus are taking a stand against immigration crackdowns by supporting local pro-immigrant causes.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:47pm

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In the wake of federal immigration actions in Minneapolis and the deaths of two anti-ICE residents, a number of Columbus restaurants, bars, and businesses are speaking out against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. While few closed down for a nationwide strike on January 30th, many pledged a portion of their proceeds to local efforts that support immigrants and refugees. Businesses across the city are finding creative ways to show their support, from donating a portion of sales to distributing whistles to alert people of nearby ICE activity.

Why it matters

This grassroots business response highlights the growing concern and backlash in the Columbus community over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. By supporting local pro-immigrant organizations, these businesses are taking a stand and showing solidarity with immigrant and refugee communities who have been directly impacted.

The details

While few Columbus businesses closed down for the nationwide strike on January 30th, many found other ways to show their support. Businesses like Aardvark Wine & Beer, Ginger Rabbit, and Metsi's Wood-Fired Italian pledged to donate a portion of their sales that day to local immigrant aid groups. Others, like the Original Goodie Shop and Pattycake Bakery, created special products and promotions to raise money. Shops like Denmark on High distributed whistles for people to alert others of nearby ICE activity, while coffee shops like Black Kahawa and Roosevelt Coffee House offered free or discounted drinks to protesters.

  • On January 30th, a nationwide strike was called to protest mass deportations and immigration crackdowns.
  • In recent days, Columbus businesses have been posting about their efforts to support pro-immigrant causes.

The players

Original Goodie Shop

A bakery in Upper Arlington that is selling cookies decorated like the winter hat worn by a 5-year-old Minneapolis boy who has been detained by ICE, with proceeds going to local immigrant aid groups.

Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)

A local organization in Columbus that supports immigrants and refugees, which several businesses are donating proceeds to.

Liam Ramos

A 5-year-old boy from Minneapolis who has been detained by ICE, whose image has inspired a cookie fundraiser at the Original Goodie Shop.

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What they’re saying

“Posting 'business as usual' on social media has felt tone-deaf lately. It feels like we're ignoring the elephant in the room. But we need to nurture the business' health and keep it running for our employees and community. So if you see King Cakes and Valentines Cookie Boxes and Irish Soda bread being posted and it feels 'out of touch' — we know.”

— Original Goodie Shop owners (cincinnati.com)

“I like ice in my cocktail, not in my community.”

— I Like It Like That, Lounge (cincinnati.com)

What’s next

Businesses in Columbus plan to continue their support for local immigrant aid groups in the coming weeks, with some pledging ongoing donations and others organizing special events and promotions.

The takeaway

The grassroots response from Columbus businesses underscores the deep concern and opposition within the local community to the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. By finding creative ways to support immigrant and refugee organizations, these businesses are taking a principled stand and showing solidarity with vulnerable populations directly impacted by the crackdown.