As a federal judge weighs the fate of Haitian immigrants, Gov. Mike DeWine says he's preparing Ohio for a large-scale immigration operation by the federal government.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine disagrees with a decision by President Donald Trump's administration to end legal protections for Haitian immigrants, including those living in Ohio. But he says he is preparing in case federal agents come to remove them.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Gov. Mike DeWine expects federal immigration agents to follow the state’s law-enforcement practices if they come to Ohio. “Our people follow those rules,” DeWine said during a Wednesday meeting with the editorial board for Cleveland.com | The Plain Dealer. “We expect ICE to follow them as well.”Federal immigration enforcement could begin as early as next week if Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, for Haitians expires as scheduled. DeWine said he didn’t know when, or if, ICE would be deployed to Ohio, noting that a federal court is still weighing whether to block the administration’s decision. “We have been told by local people at Homeland Security that we would get some notice,” DeWine said. “It would not be a lot, but it would be a notice.” While the state prepares for possible federal enforcement, DeWine said he believes the decision to end protections for Haitians was incorrect. “The facts on the ground in Haiti indicate it’s a worse situation there than it’s ever been,” DeWine said.TPS allows people from countries facing dangerous conditions to live and work legally in the United States.That designation is set to expire Feb. 3 unless a federal judge intervenes. DeWine said the Haitian community has played a key role in Springfield’s economic recovery. And removing that workforce would hurt the region.At the same time, DeWine acknowledged that immigration policy is set by the federal government, and he has no say in enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Instead, DeWine has met with Springfield’s mayor, local police, the Clark County sheriff, the Springfield school superintendent and children’s services officials.When asked whether he’s worried Springfield could become the new Minneapolis, the governor said, “Yes.”DeWine said Ohio’s law enforcement is well-trained, and “we will expect no less out of ICE.” For example, Ohio State Highway Patrol’s protocol is to never stand in front of a car “because nothing good can happen.” It’s dangerous for the officer,“ DeWine said. ”Could be detrimental to, you know, the person driving.“ The same goes for reaching into a vehicle. DeWine didn’t mention the case directly, but his description is similar to ICE’s confrontation with Renee Good in Minnesota. Good, 37, wasDeWine said he has also advised local law enforcement to let people protest so long as they do not physically interfere with ICE. “We are a state and a people that obey the law whether we like the law or not, whether we like the policy or not,” DeWine said. “We need to obey that.” DeWine stressed that no federal enforcement action has been announced and that everything hinges on what happens in court next week., argues that conditions in Haiti remain dangerously unstable and the decision to end TPS was not based on current conditions, but on improper reasoning by the administration.As a statehouse reporter for Cleveland.com, I write about all things Ohio politics with a focus on elections, marijuana policy, social issues, budgets, redistricting, public pensions, immigration in Ohio and...
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
DeWine: 6 new solar and aerospace projects to bring hundreds of new jobs to OhioSix new development projects are expected to bring 348 new jobs and more than $56 million in private investment to Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Wednesday.Th
Read more »
Mike DeWine says biggest mistake as governor was to sign bill legalizing sports gamblingGov. Mike DeWine says he considers his signing of legislation legalizing sports gambling his biggest mistake as governor. “Any control that we can get over this, anything we can do, we should be doing,” DeWine said Wednesday.
Read more »
Gov. Mike DeWine admits Ohio is facing an energy crunch; What’s his plan to address it?Demand for electricity in Ohio has soared thanks to data-center construction. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, acknowledging the energy crunch, cited efforts working with others to bolster supply, but didn't have any specific proposals his administration will pursue his final 11 months in office.
Read more »
Gov. DeWine names his biggest mistake: The Wake Up for Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026Gov. Mike DeWine reveals what he believes was his biggest mistake during his two terms.
Read more »
Mike DeWine reveals what he considers his biggest mistake as governor: Capitol LetterGov. Mike DeWine said Wednesday that when he is asked what mistakes he has made during his 7 years in office, his “lead” answer is signing legislation in 2021 to legalize sports gambling in Ohio.
Read more »
Mike DeWine talks on ICE, regrets on sports gambling, standing firm on hemp: Today in OhioEditor Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with editorial board member Lisa Garvin, impact editor Leila Atassi and content director Laura Johnston.
Read more »