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Springfield Churches Mobilize Sanctuary Efforts After Judge Blocks Haitian TPS Expiration

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Judge Blocks TPS Expiration, Halting Mass Deportation Threat U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a stay on the February 3 termination of Temporary Protected Status for roughly 350,000 Haitian migrants, citing evidence the move was driven by hostility toward non‑white immigrants[1]. The decision prevents the immediate mass deportations that former President Donald Trump promised would begin in Springfield if elected[1]. The case now proceeds to the D.C. Court of Appeals, leaving the legal status of Haitian residents in limbo[1].

Local Churches Convert Spaces Into Sanctuaries Central Christian and six other congregations in the G92 coalition are reinforcing rooms, stockpiling food and blankets, and preparing to shelter about 30 people each[1]. These churches anticipate possible ICE enforcement actions following the TPS deadline and have coordinated with federal guidance on sanctuary protocols[1]. DHS has publicly stated it treats threats to houses of worship as serious, adding pressure on local faith groups[1].

Pastor Receives Threats and Federal Guidance Pastor Carl Ruby disclosed that, after delivering a pro‑immigrant sermon, he began receiving calls from Ohio Homeland Security and the FBI warning of anonymous death threats targeting him since early February[1]. Federal officials provided Ruby with guidance on how to respond to the threats and protect his congregation[1]. Ruby’s experience underscores heightened intimidation tactics aimed at community leaders amid the immigration debate[1].

Haitian Community Faces Economic and Licensing Crisis An estimated 12,000‑15,000 Haitian residents—about a quarter of Springfield’s population—have lost jobs and cannot renew driver’s licenses stamped with the February 3 expiration date[1]. Local businesses, including the popular Keket Moise’s restaurant, have seen dramatic declines in patronage since the TPS deadline[1]. The economic fallout compounds the uncertainty created by the legal battle over TPS status[1].

State Officials Prepare for Potential Violence Governor Mike DeWine confirmed his office is coordinating with local police to prevent violence after recent ICE‑related shootings in Minneapolis raised fears of retaliation[1]. DHS reiterated its commitment to protect houses of worship, warning that “the other shoe to drop” could follow the current tensions[1]. State and federal agencies remain on high alert for any escalation targeting the Haitian community or sanctuary sites[1].

Sources

Timeline

2024 – Donald Trump’s presidential campaign pledges a mass deportation of Haitians from Springfield, promising the “largest U.S. deportation operation” if elected, which heightens community tension and political backlash [1].

2025 – The Department of Homeland Security announces a policy decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals, setting the deadline for February 3, 2026 and prompting legal challenges and community alarm [3].

Feb 3, 2026 – The scheduled federal termination of Haitian TPS would strip roughly 12,000‑15,000 residents of work authorization and lawful residence, igniting fears of mass job loss and deportations [2][3].

Jan 30, 2026 – Community leaders warn that ICE could launch raids within 24‑48 hours after the TPS deadline, mobilizing the Ohio State Highway Patrol to back local law enforcement and prompting pastors like Carl Ruby to train families on legal rights and power‑of‑attorney documents [3].

Jan 30, 2026 – Governor Mike DeWine calls revoking TPS a public‑policy mistake, highlighting Haitian workers’ economic contributions, while Senator Bernie Moreno warns the decision will strain Ohio’s social‑safety‑net resources [3].

Jan 30, 2026 – The Department of Homeland Security declines to comment on potential ICE actions in Ohio, leaving the Haitian community in uncertainty as the February deadline looms [3].

Feb 2026 (early) – U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issues a stay on the February 3 TPS termination, noting the move appears motivated by hostility toward non‑white immigrants; the case proceeds to the D.C. Court of Appeals [1].

Feb 2, 2026 – Hundreds overflow St. John Missionary Baptist Church for a faith‑led rally supporting Haitian migrants; the fire marshal orders evacuation after the crowd exceeds the 700‑person limit, underscoring the event’s scale and urgency [2].

Feb 2, 2026 – Faith leaders, including Viles Dorsainvil, declare that forcing Haitians to return is “neither safe, human nor just,” and demand a TPS extension on humanitarian grounds [2].

Feb 2, 2026 – Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticizes the Biden administration’s TPS implementation as “abused,” reminding attendees that affected individuals can appeal and may qualify for other immigration programs [2].

Feb 2, 2026 – Local officials and Governor DeWine state they have no specific knowledge of upcoming ICE operations, while DHS refuses to comment, heightening community anxiety about possible enforcement actions [2].

Feb 20, 2026 – Pastor Carl Ruby reports receiving FBI‑guided calls and anonymous death threats after delivering a pro‑immigrant sermon, prompting federal guidance on how to respond to threats against clergy [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – The G92 coalition of Central Christian and six other churches fortifies sanctuary rooms, stockpiles food and blankets, and prepares to shelter roughly 30 people despite the risk of ICE enforcement [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – State and federal officials brace for possible violence after recent ICE‑related shootings in Minneapolis, with Governor DeWine warning “the other shoe to drop” and DHS emphasizing serious treatment of threats to houses of worship [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – Haitian residents face widespread job loss, driver‑license renewal problems, and empty businesses such as Keket Moise’s restaurant following the TPS deadline, illustrating the immediate socioeconomic impact of the policy change [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – The federal judge’s stay on the TPS termination remains pending before the D.C. Court of Appeals, leaving the legal status of Haitian migrants in limbo [1].

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