Concern for Springfield and Haitian-Americans
Haitian immigrants deserve safety and the right to remain in their home, Ohio. Yet the lives of Haitian-Ohioans who have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are in limbo, due to actions by the Trump administration. These actions don’t need to happen. The Trump administration could do the right thing and extend TPS. But local leaders in Springfield — Haitians, people of faith, and other community members — have been planning since before the start of the second Trump administration, in case the worst happens and TPS ends. Our shared goal is to protect Ohioans from violence, deportation, and separation from loved ones by ICE and the Border Patrol. To learn how you can help, see the Springfield Spotlight on OhioIsHome.org. This will be updated as needed.
OIA recently shared a blog post with resources detailing how people who do not live in Springfield can help right now, at this terrifying time. The resource list we circulated included text asking people from outside the area to refrain from coming to Springfield to help if they have not been part of local trainings and coordination meetings that have been happening for months. The text was written by a trusted leader paraphrasing conversations with Springfield leaders concerned about public safety. It was never characterized as a statement from G92, a coalition of people of faith. In fact, the statement was attributed to the Ohio Immigrant Alliance in an Instagram post by 614icewatch, with OIA’s consent. And, we all know that the situation is fluid and needs can change.
Many people around the world are, rightfully, concerned about Haitian-Americans and Springfield. Baseless rumors in 2024 provoked racially-motivated hatred and violence that endangered the entire community. The city and its residents, including children, experienced violence, bomb threats, and fear due to false accusations made against an entire group of people who came to Ohio looking for safety. Springfield has been terrorized by bomb threats again this week. This is the local context within which Springfield leaders are operating.
There are new rumors circulating today, apparently in reaction to the Instagram post quoting OIA. The accusations are completely unfounded and deeply harmful to the security of Haitians and others in Springfield. At OIA, we believe local people know how to best operate within their communities. We follow their leadership. Springfield is not the same as Minneapolis, or even Columbus. It is a mid-sized town surrounded by rural and often conservative communities. During these challenging times, much of the work to protect immigrants is done in person, at the grassroots level, and is deliberately not visible online — in order to keep people safe.
This is why OIA encourages people to get involved in their local communities, because you know them best. ICE and the Border Patrol are currently operational all around Ohio, and if everyone pitches in where they live, we will have a stronger response.
We also ask that those who engage online verify facts before spreading them. Asking questions to solicit online engagement simply spreads the rumor it purports to be investigating. This is the same tenet upon which “ICE watch” training is based. For rumors of ICE presence to be considered verified, key facts must be documented — ideally with photos and using the SALUTE method — or an arrest/detention confirmed. Sharing unverified reports of ICE and Border Patrol activity do not help the community understand what is really happening and how to stay safe. This is why people who are experienced in ICE watch insist on verification before sharing information publicly.
OIA has full faith and trust in local leadership in Springfield, including G92, Springfield Neighbors United, and Haitian leadership. We have witnessed their careful planning process over the course of several months. The attacks on them are completely unfounded. You can learn more about G92 by visiting their website, springfieldG92.org, and following them on social media.
This work is challenging, often feels like an uphill battle, and is under constant scrutiny, but it is necessary and important. We are stronger together, united in the goal of protecting immigrants’ place in Ohio and honoring the difficulties they have already endured. Ohio is home. Thank you for all that you do.
If you want to get involved in your community, here is a list of organizations to start with. If there is no local group in your area listed, contact the Ohio Immigrant Hotline to see if we know of any others, or start your own.
OhioIsHome.org has resources on individual rights, mental health, institutional concerns (schools, businesses, etc), activist safety, and a menu of action items you can take. We also have a list of events you can attend, in person or online, including ICE Watch trainings. Finally, we have a section on art because we all need some beauty at this difficult time. The website is available in English, French, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese, with some resources available in other languages.
