Faith Leaders Rally in Springfield as Feb 3 Haitian TPS Deadline Approaches
Updated (2 articles)
Rally Overflows Capacity at Springfield Church Hundreds packed into St. John Missionary Baptist Church, surpassing its 700‑person limit and prompting a fire‑marshal evacuation; overflow attendees watched from outside the sanctuary. The gathering featured leaders from multiple faith traditions who sang, prayed, and called for a TPS extension [1]. Organizers emphasized the humanitarian stakes for the local Haitian community [1].
Haitian Population Estimated at 12‑15 Thousand Local officials and community groups place the number of Haitian residents in Springfield between 12,000 and 15,000, a figure echoed in both reports [1][2]. Advocates highlighted the community’s contributions to the city’s economy and cultural life. The rally aimed to demonstrate solidarity and raise public awareness ahead of the status change [1].
Federal TPS Termination Set for Feb 3, 2026 The Department of Homeland Security will end Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals on February 3, 2026, stripping work authorization and lawful residence [1][2]. A pending district‑court petition seeks to pause the deadline, leaving the legal status of many residents in limbo [2]. Officials warned that the termination follows a broader review of TPS designations under the current administration [1].
Legal Uncertainty from Pending Court Stay U.S. District Court judge is reviewing a petition to suspend the February deadline, which could temporarily preserve TPS protections if a stay is granted [2]. Community leaders prepared for both outcomes, urging residents to document legal rights and power‑of‑attorney arrangements [2]. The court’s decision will determine whether Haitian families retain their legal status beyond the federal deadline [2].
Local Officials Anticipate Possible ICE Activity Springfield’s police and the Ohio State Highway Patrol stand ready to respond to any ICE enforcement, expecting 24‑48‑hour notice of operations [2]. Governor Mike DeWine and local leaders said they have no specific intelligence on imminent raids, while DHS declined to comment on future actions [1][2]. The uncertainty fuels anxiety among Haitian residents who fear detention, deportation, and loss of income [1][2].
Sources
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1.
WBNS: Faith leaders rally in Springfield as Haitian TPS deadline looms – Reports on a crowded interfaith rally, the 12‑15 k Haitian community, the Feb 3 TPS termination, and officials’ non‑committal stance on ICE activity .
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2.
WBNS: Haitian Community Braces for End of TPS and Possible ICE Action – Details the TPS deadline, pending court stay, local ICE preparedness, pastor‑led rights education, and state officials’ criticism of the TPS removal .
Timeline
Jan 30, 2026 – DHS announces it will terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals on Feb 3, 2026, stripping work authorization and lawful residence for an estimated 12,000‑15,000 Springfield residents[2].
Jan 30, 2026 – A U.S. District Court judge begins reviewing a petition to suspend the Feb 3 TPS deadline, meaning a stay could temporarily preserve legal status if granted[2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Gov. Mike DeWine calls revoking Haitian TPS a “public‑policy mistake,” citing the community’s economic contributions to Springfield[2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Sen. Bernie Moreno warns the TPS program was never intended to be permanent and warns it could strain Ohio’s social‑safety‑net resources[2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Pastor Dr. Carl Ruby trains Haitian families on their legal rights and prepares power‑of‑attorney documents in case of separation, noting widespread fear of detention and loss of income[2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Local leaders warn ICE could increase raids after TPS ends; the Ohio State Highway Patrol mobilizes to back Clark County Sheriff and Springfield Police, expecting 24‑48‑hour notice of any operation[2].
Jan 30, 2026 – DHS tells 10TV it cannot comment on potential ICE actions in Ohio, leaving the Haitian community uncertain about future enforcement[2].
Feb 2, 2026 – Hundreds gather at St. John Missionary Baptist Church for a faith‑led rally; the fire marshal interrupts the program and asks attendees to leave after the crowd exceeds the 700‑person limit[1].
Feb 2, 2026 – Faith leaders, including Viles Dorsainvil of the Haitian Support Center, demand a TPS extension, declaring that forcing Haitians to return is “neither safe, human nor just”[1].
Feb 2, 2026 – Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem critiques the Biden administration’s TPS implementation as “abused,” reminding listeners that those losing TPS can appeal and may qualify for other immigration programs[1].
Feb 3, 2026 – The federal government officially ends Haitian TPS, ending legal status for Haitian nationals unless a court stay is granted, and heightening anxiety about possible ICE enforcement actions[1][2].