State and local officials in Springfield say they are preparing for potential changes next week as Temporary Protected Status expires for thousands of Haitian i
State and local officials in Springfield say they are preparing for potential changes next week as Temporary Protected Status expires for thousands of Haitian immigrants amid concerns about a possible U.
S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence in the city. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, TPS benefits for immigrants from Haiti will end at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday. The change has raised concerns among members of Springfield’s Haitian community and prompted city and state leaders to plan for possible impacts. According to the Clark County Health Department, about 12,000-15,000 Haitians have sought refuge in the Springfield area. Local officials say they are preparing for the possibility that ICE agents could be active in Springfield, though Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine told WSYX on Friday that his office has no indication that ICE agents will be present in Springfield. “I have no idea whether ICE is going to come into Springfield, Ohio, or not. I really don’t,” DeWine told reporters Friday after speaking at the New Perspective on the Northwest Ordinance Conference. “But if they come, we will have the Ohio State Highway Patrol to back up the Springfield Police Department, to back up the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. I've met with law enforcement officials. Those men and women will work hard to protect Ohioans. They are well-trained and they follow good practices. If ICE comes in, we expect ICE to follow those good police practices as well. That's what our expectation is. We'll follow the law. We'll try to keep people safe." Advocates for the Haitian community report heightened fear following recent immigration enforcement actions in other states, including Minnesota. DeWine acknowledged individuals have the right to demonstrate, but should not interfere with ICE operations. City and state leaders confirm they have been in contact with federal immigration officials but say they have not received specific guidance about how enforcement might be carried out, what the city’s responsibilities would be, or when any operations could occur. According to WKEF, Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott has spoken with federal immigration officials to establish open communication and share information. Elliott emphasized the community is seeking transparency and clarity about what to expect, and that discussions with federal officials are ongoing. DeWine explained that deporting Haitian immigrants would expose individuals to dangerous conditions in Haiti and could harm Springfield’s economy. "The takeaway of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians is a mistake," DeWine said. "The situation in Haiti is as dire as I have ever seen it. The gangs are controlling a good part of the country, it's extremely violent, the economy is in shambles, the government does not function, the police are virtually worthless, so this is a very dangerous place. If Temporary Protected Status goes away next week, thousands of Haitians who are working, and contributing members of the community will not be able to work." The city has not received details on enforcement timelines or how the expiration of TPS will be implemented locally. This week, Springfield’s City Commission passed a resolution requesting that federal law enforcement agencies operating in the city comply with local policies, including those related to identification and the use of masks, according to its website."We have over 1,000 children who have babies who have been born who are U.S. citizens," DeWine added. "If the parents are picked up, we have a concern what's going to happen to those children. We're looking for all contingencies and we need to be prepared." The governor emphasized that if tensions escalate, he is prepared to deploy additional law enforcement resources to support the Springfield community."Our officers are trained and know how to deescalate situations," he said. "Our job in law enforcement in Ohio is to keep people safe."LIST: Snow emergency levels, closings, delays in Central Ohio Cold Weather and Snow Advisory remains in effect this morning and afternoon with wind chill values of -15 to -10 possible. Stay with us on this story.CPD: Search for missing 13-year-old girl 'resolved'Booking video of surgeon charged in ex-wife's murder released by jail
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