Cities Brace for Possible ICE Crackdowns Amid Rumors and Uncertainty

Local officials and activists in several cities prepare for a range of immigration enforcement scenarios as the federal government remains tight-lipped.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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After a sprawling federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota, jurisdictions in other states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland have been bracing for similar scenarios, with local officials and activists setting up support networks, considering new legislation, and taking other preparatory measures. However, the lack of clear communication from federal authorities has left many communities in a state of confusion and anxiety, unsure of what to expect.

Why it matters

The uncertainty around potential ICE crackdowns has heightened tensions in immigrant communities and put local governments in a difficult position, needing to balance preparedness with avoiding unnecessary panic. The opaque and unpredictable approach to immigration enforcement by the federal government has been criticized as an intentional tactic to keep people confused and on edge.

The details

In cities like Columbus, Ohio, Philadelphia, and various Maryland jurisdictions, officials, activists, and residents have been bracing for possible large-scale ICE operations similar to the one that engulfed Minneapolis for several weeks. This has involved setting up food delivery networks, considering new legislation to restrict ICE tactics, and mounting efforts to block the opening of new detention centers. However, the lack of clear communication from federal authorities has made it challenging to coordinate an effective response, with local leaders saying 'uncertainty is the only certainty'.

  • In mid-December, Columbus was the site of an ICE surge lasting over a week.
  • In December and January, a sprawling federal immigration crackdown took place in Minneapolis.

The players

Krystal Oriadha

The chair of the Prince George's County Council in the Maryland suburbs of Washington.

Catalina Rodriguez-Lima

The director of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs in Baltimore.

Brandon M. Scott

The mayor of Baltimore.

Dorothy Hassan

The leader of a nonprofit organization in Columbus that helps immigrants and refugees.

Gregory Bovino

The Border Patrol commander who was demoted after the Minneapolis operation.

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What they’re saying

“We're all in a state of guessing, taking context clues of what's happening around us, and then not wanting to be caught off guard. Because once it starts, it's going to be too late to really coordinate, organize, get involved — you know, be prepared.”

— Krystal Oriadha, Chair of the Prince George's County Council (The New York Times)

“We are continuing to prepare for all possibilities, because, as I often say, with this administration, uncertainty is the only certainty.”

— Brandon M. Scott, Mayor of Baltimore (The New York Times)

“That's the whole thing, to just keep everybody confused and wondering and panicked. But finding the right balance between vigilance and fear is not easy when everyone is in the dark.”

— Dorothy Hassan, Leader of a nonprofit organization in Columbus (The New York Times)

The takeaway

The lack of clear communication from federal authorities on potential immigration enforcement actions has left many communities in a state of anxiety and uncertainty, forcing local officials and activists to prepare for a range of possible scenarios while trying to avoid triggering unnecessary panic. This opaque approach to immigration enforcement has been criticized as an intentional tactic to keep people on edge.