COLUMBUS – Police used pepper spray to break up a large crowd of people that gathered at the Statehouse to protest President Donald Trump’s ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations.
It was just one of the demonstrations held yesterday opposing the ban.
Hundreds of people gathered downtown Monday night and blocked the intersection of S. High Street and State Street, prompting police action.
Earlier, protesters held a peaceful gathering at the Statehouse before some began marching through the city, chanting and carrying signs. As the crowd grew and people began to block the intersection, police warned them that if they didn’t move they’d be forced to use pepper spray. After officers failed to push the crowd back, they used the spray.
The crowd eventually dispersed and the intersection reopened.
Mayor Andrew Ginther said he will issue an executive order supporting the resettlement of refugees in Columbus and prohibiting the detention of anyone without a warrant or criminal violation.
The executive order will also not allow city resources used for “detecting or apprehending someone or denying them city services based on immigration status.”
City Council president Klein, meanwhile, says he will explore what will be involved in becoming a “sanctuary city.”
“Columbus policies should always continue to support a community where all residents and visitors feel safe and welcome,” he said.
Cincinnati mayor John Cranley on Monday announced Cincinnati as a “sanctuary city,” while adding that the city has already been serving in that role and will continue to do so in the future.
The City Council also announced plans to create a legal defense fund to help refugees and immigrants in central Ohio fight cases stemming from the executive orders, according to a report in The Columbus Dispatch.
Ginther and Klein claim foreign-born residents represent 9.3 percent of population of Columbus, contribute $258 million in taxes, and the local refugee community supports an estimated 21,000 jobs.