In Face of Controversy, Lakewood Resolves to Help Immigrants

LAKEWOOD, OH - The city of Lakewood is trying to reinforce its policies of inclusion following national outcry over President Donald Trump's executive orders on immigration, which banned refugees from seven nations.

To that effect, Lakewood City Council unanimously passed a resolution reinforcing the city's "commitment to hope, equality, tolerance, inclusion, and optimism."

“This resolution puts all on notice that we will not consent to discrimination, registries, and targeting,” said Lakewood City Council President Sam O’Leary in a statement. “We renew our dedication to thoughtful public service and our belief that communities can be helpfully served by wise decisions and respectful deliberation. We will not allow society to be dragged backwards but instead rededicate ourselves to leading it forward.”

The city's decision to announce itself as an inclusion-based community that is friendly to immigrants comes at a controversial time. The Department of Justice is currently appealing a decision by a federal judge in Seattle that put a stay on Trump's executive orders on immigration.

Not only is the immigration debate occurring on a national stage, it's also starting to occupy space in the upcoming senate race, which will pit incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown against Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel.

Mandel is trying to push legislation through the Ohio Congress that would ban and criminalize Sanctuary Cities in Ohio. Meanwhile, Ohio Democrats are pushing legislation to make Ohio a Sanctuary State.

Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers told Patch that Lakewood is not a Sanctuary City. He said the possibility of becoming a Sanctuary City has been explored, but said there isn't enough data on the citizenship status of Lakewood residents yet.

However, in a press release, the city did say that, "The city of Lakewood has been a home to immigrants since before its own inception. Immigrants have joined with the children, grandchildren, and great­ grandchildren of immigrants to build and create the Lakewood that we know today."

Lakewood's leaders have also indicated a willingness to fight the federal government on possible deportation orders. Trump has issued executive orders that would cut off federal funding to designated Sanctuary Cities. An executive order signed in January by Trump said: "Sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States willfully violate Federal law in an attempt to shield aliens from removal from the United States. These jurisdictions have caused immeasurable harm to the American people and to the very fabric of our Republic."

Yet, Lakewood officials are not shrinking from a possible fight.

“This city will protect all citizens regardless of race or creed. We will especially support those who might be singled out. Each of us has an obligation and — I fear — likely opportunities to assert inclusive behavior that welcomes all in the face of discriminatory attacks. By understanding that bullying behavior may be our experience, by anticipating it, we should prepare ourselves to speak up and defend our vulnerable neighbors,” said Summers in the release.

“I am resolved to have the courage and conviction to take thoughtful action,” he continued.

The city is also actively reaching out to its Muslim community. Summers has engaged in two rounds of dialogue with Cleveland chapter of Council on American–Islamic Relations as well as the leaders of the Turkish American Cultural Organization in Lakewood.

Summers told Patch there has been expressions of reticence by Muslim community members to engage in civic discourse or attend Lakewood gatherings. He said that some have felt singled out in this political atmosphere and have chosen to withdraw.

"The opportunity is to reassure them that they are welcome in our community. That's my goal with this second round of communication," he said.

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch