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Springfield Churches Prepare Sanctuary as Judge Blocks Haitian TPS Expiration

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Judge Blocks February 3 TPS Expiration for Haitian Migrants On February 3, Temporary Protected Status for roughly 350,000 Haitian migrants was set to end, but U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a stay, preventing the termination and noting the move appeared motivated by hostility toward non‑white immigrants. The decision keeps TPS protections active while the case moves to the D.C. Court of Appeals. [1]

Local Churches Mobilize Sanctuary Spaces Anticipating ICE Action Pastors in Springfield’s G92 coalition, including Carl Ruby of Central Christian, have fortified rooms, stocked food and blankets, and can shelter about 30 people as they brace for a possible ICE sweep. Federal guidance advises congregations on responding to threats and potential enforcement actions. The preparations follow the Trump campaign’s pledge to deport Haitian migrants from the city. [1]

Pastor Carl Ruby Reports FBI‑Guided Threats After Pro‑Immigrant Sermon Ruby said he began receiving calls from Ohio Homeland Security and the FBI in early February, warning him of anonymous death threats targeting him since the month’s start. He has been instructed on protective measures for himself and his congregation. The threats intensified after his sermon supporting Haitian migrants, raising concerns about targeting of faith leaders. [1]

Trump Campaign Vows Mass Deportation of Haitians From Springfield During the 2024 campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly promised to “purge Haitians” and said the largest U.S. deportation operation would begin in Springfield if elected. This rhetoric has heightened tension and contributed to the community’s fear of ICE raids. Local officials cite the pledge as a factor in recent security preparations. [1]

Haitian Community Faces Job Loss, License Issues, Business Decline An estimated 12,000‑15,000 Haitians—about a quarter of Springfield’s population—have been fired or cannot renew driver’s licenses stamped with the February 3 expiration date. Restaurants such as Keket Moise’s report empty tables, reflecting economic fallout. State and federal officials remain on alert for possible violence after recent ICE‑related shootings elsewhere. [1]

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Timeline

1990 – The Immigration Act of 1990 creates Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant temporary legal status to nationals from countries experiencing war, disaster, or extraordinary conditions. [2][6]

2010 – After a magnitude‑7 earthquake devastates Haiti, Congress designates Haiti for TPS, a protection that is repeatedly extended as armed gangs control much of Port‑au‑Prince. [2][12]

2024 – Donald Trump’s presidential campaign repeatedly vows to “purge Haitians” and promises the nation’s largest deportation operation will begin in Springfield, Ohio, inflaming local tensions. [1][5]

Dec 30, 2025 – U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley issues a temporary injunction halting deportations of roughly 300 South Sudanese TPS holders, pausing a termination slated for Jan 6, 2026, while civil‑rights groups sue DHS for alleged racial bias. [4][8]

Jan 1, 2026 – A federal judge blocks the Trump administration’s plan to end TPS for about 60,000 migrants from Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua, finding the termination unlawful and keeping protections in place pending litigation. [3]

Jan 9, 2026 – U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani signals a temporary restraining order to stop the termination of Family Reunification Parole (FRP) protections for more than 10,000 relatives, a program set to end on Jan 14. [7]

Jan 29, 2026 – The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem exceeded statutory authority when she terminated Venezuelan TPS and affirms the same overreach for Haitian TPS, though the decision does not immediately restore protections. [6]

Jan 30, 2026 – Springfield’s Haitian community braces for the Feb 3 TPS deadline; Pastor Carl Ruby trains families on legal rights, Gov. Mike DeWine calls the revocation a policy mistake, and officials warn ICE could launch raids within 24‑48 hours of the deadline. [13]

Feb 2, 2026 – Hundreds gather at St. John Missionary Baptist Church for a faith‑led rally; the crowd exceeds the 700‑person fire‑marshal limit, and Secretary Noem reiterates that TPS was “abused” under the previous administration while DHS remains silent on any imminent ICE action. [11]

Feb 2‑3, 2026 – U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issues an 83‑page opinion halting the scheduled end of Haitian TPS for roughly 350,000 people, declaring the termination “null, void, and of no legal effect” and finding that Secretary Noem likely acted out of “hostility to non‑white immigrants.” [5][12][9]

Feb 3, 2026 – Columbus officials hold a press conference backing the Haitian community after the federal stay; DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin labels the ruling “lawless activism,” while Senator Bernie Moreno denounces the judge’s intervention as undemocratic. [10]

Feb 3, 2026 – A separate federal order blocks the Trump administration’s plan to end Haitian TPS in Ohio, allowing current Haitian residents to retain work authorization and lawful residence, though new applicants remain barred; Columbus city attorney Zach Klein says no ICE surge has been reported. [9]

Feb 20, 2026 – Springfield churches in the G92 coalition fortify sanctuary spaces, stockpile food and blankets for up to 30 people, and Pastor Carl Ruby reports receiving FBI‑guided threats after delivering a pro‑immigrant sermon; DHS treats threats to houses of worship as serious, and Governor DeWine coordinates with local police amid recent ICE‑related shootings elsewhere. [1]

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