Grannies vs ICE

Suburban Grandmas Push Back Against ICE in Ohio's Trump Country

In one conservative Ohio county, a group of seniors have shown up for 17 weeks in a row to take the mic at their local commissioners’ meetings. Their message? End the agreement with ICE that lets the county jail detain people facing deportation.

The movement began when 82-year-old Seven Mile resident Anne Jantzen started attending commissioners meetings this summer to oppose the county’s agreement with ICE. She quickly found others who felt the same.

She started an email chain, and soon the group Butler County for Immigrant Justice —made up of residents ages 60 to 85 — took shape. Jantzen says seniors make up most of the group because they’re the ones who can actually attend 9:30 a.m. Tuesday meetings. “I can do it; therefore, I need to,” she said.

After the meeting, they take their protest outside with handmade signs and a shared purpose: they’re here to protect their neighbors, friends, and grandchildren’s classmates who fear ICE arrests and detentions.

“I’m here because I’m outraged. I’m here because I’m angry. I need to be able to look my grandkids in the eye and say I did not remain silent.” (Cassie Stevens)

The Butler County for Immigrant Justice group shows us that when women unite around a cause, nothing can stand in their way. If you’re interested in finding a group in your community or starting a new group, check out our TroubleNation page!