U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has detained at least 29 Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, following a Supreme Court decision in June that allowed the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and other nationalities, according to local officials and community advocates.

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The move has heightened anxiety in Springfield's Haitian community, as federal agents have increased enforcement actions since TPS protections officially ended for Haitians on July 27.

Springfield is home to an estimated 15,000 Haitians, many of whom previously held TPS or other legal status. The city has drawn attention over the past two years as the Trump administration pursued efforts to end TPS for Haitian migrants, a policy shift that culminated in the recent Supreme Court ruling.

ICE Operations in Springfield

Theresa Hice-Fromille, a board member of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center, confirmed that 29 Haitians had been detained by ICE as of last Friday. She reported that ICE agents have conducted operations at shopping plazas, apartment complexes, and even a car wash, with a video circulating online showing officers making arrests at the latter location. Hice-Fromille described the impact on the community, saying, "We had somebody asking this morning if it was safe for her to run out to Walmart and get food."

Springfield Pastor Gilbert Joubert Adrien and another Haitian man were detained by ICE Thursday morning at a gas station, according to Hice-Fromille. The detentions have caused widespread concern among local families, with Hice-Fromille noting, "He has a wife and children, and they're all extremely scared."

Viles Dorsainvil, executive director of the Haitian Support Center, issued a statement emphasizing the human toll: "Behind every number is a human being. Behind every detention is a family. Behind every deportation is a mother, a father, a husband, a wife, a child, a friend, a church member, a coworker, or a neighbor whose life may be changed forever."

Federal and Local Responses

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told the Daily Signal that "every day, DHS is conducting law enforcement activities across the country to keep Americans safe. DHS does not discuss ongoing or future operations." The spokesperson added, "Temporary Protected Status is exactly that—temporary. For too long, TPS has been allowed to function as a de facto amnesty program despite Congress never intending it to be permanent."

DHS has reminded those whose TPS status is ending that self-deportation remains an option, stating, "What we would say now is it’s closing time, which means you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here. The good news is it’s not too late to get a $2,600 check and a free flight home."

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue acknowledged the increased federal presence, stating, "The City is aware of federal immigration enforcement activity occurring in Springfield, including arrests made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The City does not direct or control ICE enforcement activity. We are focused on the safety and well-being of everyone in our community."

Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno has supported the administration's enforcement efforts, while Republican Gov. Mike DeWine has expressed concerns about the end of TPS. ICE has indicated that targeted enforcement activity will continue throughout Ohio.

Community Impact and Ongoing Enforcement

The detentions have sparked fear among Springfield's Haitian residents, with community leaders reporting that families are worried about leaving their homes for basic necessities. The Haitian Support Center and local churches have been providing support to affected families.

ICE operations in Springfield are part of a broader national effort following the Supreme Court's decision to allow the administration to end TPS for Haitians. The Department of Homeland Security has reiterated that its enforcement actions are ongoing and not limited to Springfield.

Springfield officials have stated that they are monitoring the situation but do not have authority over federal immigration enforcement. Community advocates say they expect further detentions as ICE continues its activities in the region.