Operation could begin next week, potentially affecting thousands in the city’s large Haitian population
Springfield, Ohio – February 1, 2026 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly gearing up for a targeted enforcement operation in Springfield, Ohio, focusing on the city’s Haitian community of an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 residents, according to sources familiar with federal planning and multiple local news reports.
The actions could begin as early as next week, immediately following the February 3, 2026 expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Without TPS protections or other legal status, many Haitian nationals in Springfield face the risk of detention and removal.
Details remain limited — including the exact number of agents, scope, and precise timeline — but local officials have described expectations of a possible 30-day “surge” in ICE activity starting around February 4. Springfield City School District communications and statements from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine indicate preparations for federal immigration enforcement, with advance notice anticipated in some cases.
Context of the Haitian Community in Springfield
Springfield gained national attention during the 2024 presidential campaign due to repeated, debunked claims by then-candidate Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance that Haitian migrants were abducting and consuming pets — allegations local police and officials found no evidence to support. Those false narratives led to harassment, bomb threats, and heightened community tension.
Despite the challenges, the city has credited the arrival of Haitian TPS holders (many since around 2020) with helping revive its economy. Haitian residents have filled critical jobs in manufacturing, warehousing, and other sectors, contributing to population growth and economic stabilization in a city that had long struggled with decline.
Local Law Enforcement Stance & Community Fear
Clark County law enforcement has stated it will not assist ICE in these efforts, focusing instead on public safety and community relations.
Advocacy groups like the ACLU of Ohio have raised alarms about potential family separations, trauma to children in schools, and the risks of deporting individuals to dangerous conditions in Haiti, where gang violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises continue to dominate.
Community organizers report widespread fear, with residents living “one day at a time” amid persistent rumors of ICE activity. Many Haitian families in Springfield are mixed-status, with TPS holders, U.S. citizen children, and others navigating uncertain futures.
L’Union Suite will continue to follow this developing situation closely, including any official announcements from ICE, DHS, or local authorities. We will also share verified resources for legal aid, community support, and rights information for those affected.
If you or someone you know in Springfield is concerned about immigration enforcement, contact trusted organizations such as the Haitian Bridge Alliance, ACLU of Ohio, or local legal aid providers immediately.
Stay informed. Stay safe. Solidarity with our Haitian family in Ohio and across the diaspora.
