Protesters Rally at Ohio Statehouse on Independence Day Against ICE Immigration Bill
Columbus, Ohio – Under the intense summer sun, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Ohio Statehouse on the Fourth of July to voice strong opposition to the ICE enforcement actions, and the recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill.” The protest was organized by Ohio 50501 and the Columbus chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
Attendees held signs condemning the legislation and the administration’s policies, which critics say would reduce access to Medicaid and food assistance, expand funding for immigration enforcement, and solidify tax cuts introduced in 2017. Some protesters compared current U.S. practices to those in Nazi Germany, particularly referencing reports of masked ICE agents arresting immigrants for deportation.
One participant, Richard Anderson, 34, of Hilliard, said he joined the protest to stand against what he perceives as a growing culture of fascism and authoritarianism. Anderson also voiced outrage over a new migrant detention center in Florida dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” accusing the government of mimicking Nazi-era tactics.
Another protester, Richard Kaffenbarger, 66, of Plain City, described the bill’s passing as the moment he felt compelled to take action.
Ohio State Professor and Brother of Hakeem Jeffries Speaks Out
The protest featured a speech by Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, associate history professor at Ohio State University and brother of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Drawing on Frederick Douglass’ historic “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” speech, Jeffries condemned what he described as the suppression of civil liberties.
He also criticized Ohio State President Ted Carter for dismantling diversity programs at the university following federal pressure. “All those Navy medals,” Jeffries said of Carter’s military background, “and he couldn’t stand up to a draft dodger.”
After the speeches, protesters marched through Downtown Columbus, escorted by the Columbus Division of Police’s dialogue team, who monitored from the sidelines while officers temporarily halted traffic to allow the march to proceed safely.
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