By Richard T. Herman (Herman Legal Group)

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In a rare and unusually direct public statement this week, the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) attempted to calm rising fear and confusion across Greater Cleveland by making one point unmistakably clear: the Cleveland police ICE statement emphasizes that they are not agents of immigration enforcement.

Cleveland police are not ICE — and they will not behave like ICE.

The statement arrived during a tense moment nationally, following the killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, and amid a flood of unconfirmed reports and social media posts claiming immigration agents were seen across Cleveland neighborhoods.

This Cleveland police ICE statement reflects a commitment to community safety by assuring residents that local law enforcement will not act as ICE agents.

At a time when many immigrant families do not know who to trust — or what to do when federal agents appear — Cleveland’s message matters, not as political theater, but as a public-safety decision: when local residents are afraid to call the police, everyone becomes less safe.

You can track Cleveland’s official government services and leadership through Cleveland City Hall and the City’s main portal at City of Cleveland (clevelandohio.gov).

Cleveland Police Statement on ICE Sightings and the Cleveland police ICE statement

Below is the official statement language as published in Cleveland media reporting:

“The Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) has reviewed multiple reported ICE sightings and, to date, has found no evidence of ICE raids in Cleveland. While not federally required, we have not been notified that ICE is conducting any immigration-related operations within the city.”

“CDP officers will never ask about an individual’s immigration status.”

“CDP is tasked with protecting public safety, and while they will take action against anyone who commits violent crimes, they are not responsible for enforcing general federal immigration law.”

Media Reporting Confirming the CDP Statement

If you want to see the statement reported in context by Cleveland news outlets, start here:

What Cleveland’s Statement Really Means (and What It Does Not Mean)

Cleveland’s message is strong — and welcome — but it needs to be understood precisely.

What it means

It signals that Cleveland officers are not going to turn everyday policing into immigration enforcement, including:

No immigration-status questioning
No routine “papers” checks
No acting as federal deportation agents
A continued focus on violent crime and public safety

This aligns with Cleveland’s broader posture on immigration enforcement that has been publicly emphasized by city leadership, including Mayor Justin Bibb’s earlier statement rejecting local participation in deportations of non-violent residents: Statement from Mayor Justin M. Bibb (City of Cleveland)

What it does not mean

It does not guarantee that:

ICE will not operate in the region
people will not be arrested in Greater Cleveland
county jails won’t cooperate with ICE
nearby suburbs or counties won’t take a different stance

That last point is the one most people miss.

The Real Issue: “Cleveland Police” vs. “Greater Cleveland”

A family living in Cleveland may hear “CDP will not assist ICE crackdowns” and assume they are safe.

But in practice, regional cooperation is fragmented — and it often turns on county-level decisions, not city statements.

Cleveland’s Immigrants: Why This Matters Here (Not Just “National News”)

Cleveland is not a city on the sidelines of the immigration conversation. It is home to thousands of immigrant families, international students, refugees, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and long-time residents who help sustain neighborhoods, schools, small businesses, and the regional economy.

That’s why the Cleveland Division of Police statement matters so much in real life: when immigrant communities fear that calling local police could lead to immigration consequences, it doesn’t just hurt immigrants — it weakens public safety for everyone.

If you want Cleveland-specific, practical guidance from my team at Herman Legal Group, start here:

And if you want directions, hours, reviews, and contact details for our Cleveland office, here is our Google listing:

Herman Legal Group (Cleveland) — Google Business Profile

If you need urgent legal help, you can also schedule directly here:

Book a Consultation (Herman Legal Group)

How Much Do Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Cooperate With ICE?

Here is the real-world breakdown, as clearly as I can put it.

1) The City of Cleveland (CDP) — limited direct enforcement role

Cleveland police can decline to participate in immigration enforcement actions and still comply with their obligations under criminal law.

You can find the relevant city public safety pages here:

2) Cuyahoga County — the detention pipeline is where cooperation really happens

County systems are often where ICE gets leverage, because immigration holds and transfers frequently depend on jail access, release timing, and custody logistics.

Key official reference point:

Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department

Even when a city police department does not participate in street-level activity, people can still become vulnerable if they wind up in county custody — including for low-level offenses, traffic-related arrests, or older warrants.

3) Neighboring cities and counties — policies can vary sharply

Cleveland is not the only jurisdiction that matters. The wider region includes many municipalities and counties that may take different approaches, stay silent publicly, or openly cooperate.

For example, Cleveland Heights has had prior federal enforcement activity, and residents often point to those experiences as the reason fear spikes quickly during national crackdowns.

You can find Cleveland Heights police resources here:

Cleveland Heights Police Department

The “Cooperation Spectrum”: What Assisting ICE Can Look Like in Real Life

When people say “local police are cooperating with ICE,” they usually mean one or more of these:

Sharing information about arrests or jail bookings
Honoring ICE detainers (requests to hold someone longer)
Notifying ICE before release
Allowing ICE interviews inside detention facilities
Assisting with logistics (traffic control, perimeter support, etc.)
Signing a 287(g) agreement (the formal “deputization” pipeline)

287(g) agreements: the red-flag cooperation model

The most aggressive form of formal cooperation is the 287(g) program, which allows DHS/ICE to train and delegate certain immigration enforcement functions to local agencies.

For background:

Ohio has seen continued debate and adoption of 287(g) arrangements by some sheriffs, and reporting has covered the expansion of these partnerships within the state.

Why Cleveland’s Statement Is “Rare” — and Why It’s Powerful

Most police departments do not like to issue clear public statements about immigration enforcement because it invites political blowback from both directions:

accusations of “harboring”
accusations of “enabling raids”
threats of litigation, funding pressure, or political targeting

So Cleveland’s choice to speak plainly is significant.

It is also consistent with Cleveland’s public stance that law enforcement should focus on violent crime, not fear-based civil enforcement that drives victims and witnesses underground.

Judge-Signed Warrant vs. ICE Paper — The “15-Second Door Script” for Cleveland Families

If there is one scenario driving fear in Cleveland right now, it’s this:

A knock at the door. Someone says “police” or “federal agent.” A person in the household panics. The door opens. And everything changes.

So let’s simplify the most important legal concept into something families can actually use in real life.

The core rule

You do not have to open the door to ICE unless they show a valid judge-signed warrant and you verify it.

Many ICE documents are not judge-signed warrants. They may be administrative forms.

This distinction matters because an ICE “administrative warrant” is not the same thing as a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge.

The 15-second script (say this through the door)

Here is the script I recommend families practice out loud:

“I am not opening the door. Please slide the warrant under the door or hold it up to the window. I will review it. If it is signed by a judge, I will comply. If it is not signed by a judge, I do not consent to entry.”

That’s it.

Short. Calm. Non-confrontational. Clear.

What to look for (fast checklist)

If they show you a paper, look for:

A judge’s name and signature (not just an agency official)
A court name (not just “DHS” or “ICE”)
Your correct address
A date that appears valid and current

If you are unsure, you can say:

“I need to speak with my lawyer before I answer questions.”

What not to do

Don’t run
Don’t argue
Don’t lie
Don’t sign anything you don’t understand
Don’t open the door just because someone sounds authoritative

Why this script is especially important in Cleveland right now

Because even when Cleveland police say they won’t enforce immigration law, federal agents can still operate independently — and fear spreads fastest when people don’t have a plan.

If you want to learn more about the Cleveland Police posture, the City’s public safety pages are here:

Cleveland ICE Panic Checklist: What to Do in the First 60 Minutes (Printable + Shareable)

When rumors of ICE activity spread through Cleveland, the biggest danger is panic. Panic leads to bad decisions — opening doors too fast, signing paperwork you don’t understand, or giving statements that later get used against you.

This checklist is designed to be copied, pasted, printed, and shared.

Minute 0–5: Stabilize the Situation (Don’t Make It Worse)

Do these first:

Stay calm and slow everything down.
Do not open the door just because someone knocks loudly or claims to be “police.”
Do not run outside. Sudden movement can escalate encounters.
Tell everyone in the home: “No one opens the door. No one answers questions.”

If you live in Cleveland, you can confirm the City’s public safety information here: Cleveland Division of Police

Minute 5–10: Verify “Who Is This?” (Without Opening the Door)

You are allowed to verify identity.

Ask: “Who are you? What agency?”
Ask: “Why are you here?”
Ask: “Do you have a warrant signed by a judge?”
Tell them: “Hold it up to the window or slide it under the door.”

Important: Many ICE documents are not judge-signed warrants.
A judge-signed warrant is different from ICE administrative paperwork.

Minute 10–15: Use the 15-Second Door Script (Say It Exactly Like This)

Say this through the door:

“I am not opening the door. Please slide the warrant under the door or hold it up to the window. I will review it. If it is signed by a judge, I will comply. If it is not signed by a judge, I do not consent to entry.”

Then stop talking.

Minute 15–20: Stop Self-Incrimination (Silence Is Protection)

If agents are asking questions (through the door or outside), remember:

You do not have to answer questions about where you were born.
You do not have to explain your status.
You do not have to provide details about family members.
You do not have to “help them clear things up.”

Use this line:

“I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak with my lawyer.”

Minute 20–30: Document the Encounter (Without Interfering)

If it’s safe, start collecting facts:

Record video from inside (if lawful and safe)
Write down:
- date and time
- location
- number of agents
- vehicle descriptions
- what was said
- whether they showed paperwork
If there are witnesses, get names and numbers afterward

Do not interfere physically. Do not touch agents. Do not block movement.

Minute 30–40: Protect Others (Family, Neighbors, Workplace)

This is where communities protect each other — legally and calmly.

Notify household members: “Do not open doors. Do not answer questions.”
If someone is on the way home, tell them:
- do not return to the house until the situation is confirmed safe
If this is happening at a workplace:
- ask management to contact counsel immediately
- do not let anyone be isolated and questioned without support

Minute 40–50: Separate Rumors From Verified Facts

In Cleveland, rumors spread fast. In many cases, sightings are unconfirmed.

Before reposting, ask:

Do we have photos or video?
Did anyone personally witness agents identify themselves?
Is the report second-hand (“my cousin said…”)?
Is this actually another agency, private security, or police?

Minute 50–60: Know the “Cooperation Map” (City vs. County vs. Suburbs)

This is the part most Cleveland families don’t realize until it’s too late:

Even if city police do not participate in immigration enforcement, county detention policies can change the outcome fast.

Key reality points:

City statements may reduce street-level cooperation
But county custody is often where ICE gains leverage
Policies can vary sharply across nearby municipalities and counties

Official county reference point:

Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department

Emergency “Do Not Do This” List (Read Twice)

Do not:

Open the door “just to talk”
Sign any document you don’t understand
Lie or provide fake documents
Consent to a search
Hand over passports or IDs unless required by law
Let agents separate family members for questioning without counsel
Assume “nothing will happen because Cleveland won’t help”

The Single Most Important Takeaway

Slow everything down, don’t open the door without verification, don’t answer questions, and get legal help immediately.

The Greater Cleveland Cooperation Map: City vs. County vs. Suburbs (What Actually Changes Your Risk)

Most people searching “ICE in Cleveland” assume the answer depends on Cleveland police.

In real life, the bigger question is:

Where can ICE gain access and leverage?

In Northeast Ohio, that often depends on which system touches your life first.

Level 1: Cleveland (City) — street-level posture matters, but has limits

Cleveland police are signaling restraint on immigration enforcement questions and involvement.

But Cleveland is only one layer in the larger ecosystem.

Start with the official city sources:

Cleveland City Hall
Cleveland Division of Police

Level 2: Cuyahoga County — the detention layer changes everything

If you want the single “risk multiplier” that can change a case overnight, it’s county custody.

County cooperation can include:

detention holds
release notifications
jail interviews
direct ICE access

Official county reference point:

Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department

This is why a person can be safe at home on Monday, and in ICE custody by Tuesday — not because Cleveland police “changed sides,” but because the county pipeline is different.

Level 3: Nearby suburbs — policies may be quiet, inconsistent, or unspoken

The greater Cleveland area includes many municipalities where enforcement practices may:

vary by leadership
vary by chief or sheriff
vary by political pressure
shift with national events

Example:

Cleveland Heights Police Department

The practical takeaway:

A family’s risk level can change when they cross municipal lines — or when an incident shifts them into county custody.

Level 4: Counties outside Cuyahoga — the “287(g) variable”

The most aggressive enforcement posture usually happens when a sheriff’s office enters a formal cooperation model like 287(g).

If you want to understand why activists, journalists, and defense attorneys watch 287(g) so closely, start here:

The “Map Summary”

In Greater Cleveland, city police statements matter — but county custody matters more. Your risk is often shaped less by where you live, and more by whether an incident routes you into a county detention system, and whether that system gives ICE access through detainers, notifications, interviews, or formal partnerships.

That’s the cooperation map.

Ohio 287(g) Agreements (ICE Partnerships): Who Has Them — and Why It Matters

One of the fastest ways immigration enforcement expands in a state is through 287(g) agreements—formal contracts that allow local law enforcement agencies (usually sheriff’s offices) to perform limited federal immigration enforcement functions under ICE supervision.

What 287(g) actually does (plain English)

A 287(g) agreement can allow selected local officers to:

Identify people ICE considers “removable” during jail booking or custody
Serve ICE administrative warrants in a jail setting
Coordinate transfers to ICE custody
In some models, assist with enforcement activity beyond the jail (task force model)

ICE’s official overview of the program is here: ICE — Delegation of Immigration Authority (287(g)).

Which Ohio agencies have signed 287(g) agreements?

Based on Ohio reporting and publicly available agreements, these Ohio sheriff’s offices have been identified as signing 287(g) MOAs in the 2025–2026 period:

Confirmed/signaled in Ohio reporting as having 287(g) agreements

Butler County Sheriff (287(g) agreement signed) Ideastream Public Media / Ohio Newsroom reporting
Portage County Sheriff (287(g) agreement signed) Ideastream Public Media / Ohio Newsroom reporting
Seneca County Sheriff (287(g) agreement signed) Ideastream Public Media / Ohio Newsroom reporting
Mahoning County Sheriff (reported as having signed 287(g)) Signal Ohio reporting

Lake County Sheriff (publicly confirmed by sheriff + MOA)

Lake County publicly announced participation and noted training steps remained before operationalizing the program. Cleveland 19 coverage
The ICE-hosted MOA document is here: ICE MOA: Lake County Sheriff’s Office (OH) Task Force Model

Clermont County Sheriff (reported agreement)

Clermont County has been reported as signing a 287(g) agreement allowing trained deputies to participate in ICE operations and arrest/transport individuals on ICE warrants. Spectrum News 1 coverage

The “model” matters: not all 287(g) agreements are the same

287(g) can operate under different models (and the outcomes vary dramatically depending on which one is used).

For a neutral explainer, see: ILRC — National Map of 287(g) Agreements.

Why this matters for Cleveland-area families (even if Cleveland Police won’t “help ICE”)

Here is the uncomfortable truth:

Even if a city police department says it won’t enforce immigration law, a person can still end up in removal proceedings if they pass through a county jail pipeline that cooperates with ICE through:

detainers
custody notifications
jail interviews
warrant service inside the jail
expedited transfers

That’s why, in practice, the real “risk map” is often driven more by county sheriff policies than city statements.

“Cleveland vs. Ohio”: a critical distinction readers must understand

In Northeast Ohio, it is essential not to treat “Cleveland” as the whole story.

Cleveland is a city policing jurisdiction
287(g) is typically a county sheriff / jail-based partnership mechanism
Enforcement intensity can shift quickly across county lines—even within the same metro regio
ICE’s 287(g) hub is here: ICE — 287(g) Program.

Bottom line

287(g) is the strongest formal indicator of “local law enforcement partnership with ICE” in Ohio.
And in 2025–2026, multiple Ohio sheriff’s offices have signed agreements that can materially increase immigration enforcement through jail and custody systems. Ideastream Public Media / Ohio Newsroom Signal Ohio

Here’s the clearest summary for families, advocates, and reporters:

Cleveland police say they are not responsible for federal immigration enforcement and will not ask immigration status.
Cleveland says there is no evidence of ICE “raids” in the city based on reviewed reports (as of the statement).
County-level detention cooperation and surrounding jurisdictions remain the biggest practical risk variable in Greater Cleveland.
Immigrant safety planning should assume regional variability, not uniform policy.

FAQ: Know Your Rights in 2025–2026 (Aggressive ICE Tactics, Home Encounters, and What to Do Next)

1) If ICE comes to my home, do I have to open the door?

No. In most situations, you do not have to open the door unless ICE shows a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. Many ICE documents are administrative paperwork, not judge-signed warrants. The safest approach is to keep the door closed, stay calm, and ask them to show the warrant through a window or slide it under the door.

2) What should I say if ICE is knocking?

Use a short, calm script:

“I do not consent to entry. Please show me a warrant signed by a judge.”
“I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak with my lawyer.”

Then stop talking.

3) Can ICE enter without a warrant?

Sometimes ICE may claim authority to enter, but consent is one of the most common ways entry happens. That’s why it’s critical not to open the door or invite them inside. If agents enter anyway, do not resist physically—document what happens and contact counsel immediately.

4) What is the difference between a judge-signed warrant and an ICE administrative warrant?

A judge-signed judicial warrant is issued by a court and typically has a judge’s name and signature.
An ICE administrative warrant/detainer is typically issued by DHS/ICE and is not the same as a judicial warrant. This difference is often the legal line between “they can enter” and “you can refuse entry.”

5) Do I have the right to remain silent with ICE?

Yes. You can refuse to answer questions. You can say:

“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
“I want to speak with my attorney.”

Silence is often one of the strongest legal protections you have in an enforcement encounter.

6) Do I have to tell ICE where I was born or what my immigration status is?

In most situations, no. Do not guess, do not explain, and do not volunteer details. If you provide incorrect information under pressure, it can create major legal problems later. Ask for a lawyer.

7) Can ICE arrest me in public (street, parking lot, outside work)?

Yes, ICE can conduct public arrests. These are often fast-moving, intimidating, and confusing—especially when agents wear tactical gear or identify themselves quickly. If this happens, do not run, do not resist, and do not answer questions. Ask for a lawyer.

8) Can ICE come to my workplace?

Yes. Workplace enforcement can occur, including interviews, document requests, and arrests. If agents appear at work, do not sign anything you don’t understand, do not give statements, and ask to speak with counsel before answering questions.

9) Can ICE take my phone or search it?

They may try. Do not consent to a search. If they have lawful authority, they may proceed anyway—but consent makes it easier. Protect yourself by using device security (PIN/passcode) and refusing permission for searches.

10) Can local police help ICE in Cleveland or Ohio?

It depends on the agency. Some departments publicly state they are not responsible for immigration enforcement, but cooperation can still happen through county systems, jail transfers, detainers, notifications, or policy choices. Always assume enforcement risk can vary by city, suburb, and county.

11) What is an ICE detainer?

An ICE detainer is a request—often sent to a jail—asking that a person be held for a short period so ICE can take custody. Detainers can be legally and constitutionally complicated. Detainer practices vary widely by county and jail.

12) What is a 287(g) agreement, and why does it matter?

A 287(g) agreement is a formal cooperation program where ICE trains and authorizes local officers (often sheriff’s offices) to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. In practice, it can significantly increase immigration enforcement through local detention pipelines.

13) What if ICE asks me to sign papers?

Do not sign anything you do not fully understand. People sometimes sign documents agreeing to removal or “voluntary return” without knowing the consequences. Say:

“I will not sign anything without speaking to my attorney.”

14) What should family members do if someone is detained?

Immediately gather:

full legal name and DOB
A-number (if known)
last known location of detention
any paperwork given
Then contact a qualified immigration attorney as fast as possible. Time matters in detention cases.

15) If I’m scared of ICE, should I stop calling the police?

No. If you are a victim of a crime or in danger, your safety comes first. Many local departments emphasize public safety and encourage residents to report crimes. If you are worried, you can ask to speak with counsel before giving unnecessary personal information.

16) Can I record ICE activity?

Often, recording government officials performing duties in public is legally protected, but rules vary and you must not interfere physically. If you record, do it calmly from a safe distance. Do not obstruct agents.

17) What are the biggest mistakes people make during an ICE encounter?

Common mistakes include:

opening the door immediately
consenting to entry or searches
talking too much
guessing answers under pressure
signing forms without legal advice
trying to flee or physically resist

18) What should I do right now to prepare (before anything happens)?

Preparation reduces panic. Consider:

keep copies of key documents in a safe place
memorize important phone numbers
plan who picks up children
identify a trusted attorney
learn the “door script” and practice it

19) Can ICE target people who have old dismissed criminal cases?

Enforcement decisions can be aggressive and sometimes rely on old allegations, mistaken identity, or incomplete records. If you have any criminal history—including dismissed cases—speak to counsel before traveling, checking in, or attending any appointment.