The Trump administration is reportedly considering Ohio as the location for upcoming immigration enforcement operations, potentially beginning as early as next week. This information comes from four sources familiar with the ongoing discussions.
These operations are expected to focus on Haitian immigrants, coinciding with the expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti on February 3rd. According to one source, the specifics of the operation – including the number of federal immigration agents involved and their deployment strategy – remain unclear.
The termination of TPS for Haiti last year by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem puts an estimated 330,000 Haitian immigrants at risk of losing their protected status on February 3rd.
Springfield, Ohio, a community with an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 Haitian residents, was a specific target during the 2024 campaign by both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Vance publicly admitted to “creating stories” – including false claims about Haitian immigrants – to garner media attention, a tactic that was echoed by Trump during a presidential debate.
The Haitian Support Center in Springfield reports a climate of fear within the community. “The feeling has been of fear since after the presidential election,” said Viles Dorsainvil, the organization’s executive director. “As an immigrant community in Springfield, it has been a constant fear for us.”
The Haitian Support Center is preparing for a range of scenarios, offering legal assistance, transportation resources, and developing informational videos to advise individuals who may be detained and potentially separated from their children. “We pray for the best but we are preparing for the worst,” Dorsainvil stated.
As of Friday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had not responded to requests for comment. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, stated to local reporters that he was unaware of any planned ICE deployment to Springfield.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
Temporary Protected Status is a benefit that allows certain foreign nationals already in the United States to remain in the country for a designated period if their home country has experienced a natural disaster, armed conflict, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions, as stated in the source.
Why is Springfield, Ohio, a focus of this potential enforcement action?
Springfield, Ohio, is home to a significant Haitian immigrant population – estimated between 12,000 and 15,000 people – and was specifically targeted during the 2024 campaign by President Trump and Vice President Vance, according to the source.
What is the Haitian Support Center doing to prepare?
The Haitian Support Center in Springfield is preparing legal, transportation, and other services for immigrants who may be fearful, and is creating a video to advise those who could be detained and separated from their children, as reported in the source.
How will these potential enforcement actions impact families and communities in Ohio?
