A chilling warning has been issued regarding an impending immigration enforcement operation in Springfield, Ohio. Holocaust historian Timothy Snyder fears that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is “gearing up for a pogrom” in the city, as the Trump administration prepares to flood the area with agents targeting thousands of Haitian migrants.
This aggressive move comes just as the temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitian residents is set to expire on February 3rd, leaving an estimated 15,000 Haitians in Springfield – and over 500,000 nationwide – vulnerable to arrest and deportation. The situation is particularly fraught in Springfield, a town notoriously implicated in President Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s unsubstantiated claims during the 2024 election that Haitian immigrants were “eating white residents’ pets,” a fabrication that ignited a firestorm of racist threats and intimidation.
The Looming Invasion
Reports from the Springfield News-Sun indicate that school officials have already been notified to expect a federal immigration enforcement operation to commence shortly after the TPS expiration, potentially lasting at least 30 days. Columnist Marilou Johanek, writing for the Ohio Capital Journal, paints a grim picture: “Any day now, a swarm of armed state police dressed for war could descend… The small town of Springfield in Clark County is awaiting an invasion of unaccountable thugs who conceal their faces and identities, drive in unmarked vehicles with blackened windows, stomp on the Bill of Rights, and viciously brutalize human beings based on race and accent.”
The targeting of Springfield is seen by many, including human rights advocates like Claudia Hernandez, as a calculated and “disgusting operation meant to inflate numbers and inflame tensions.”
Stripped of Legal Status
It’s crucial to understand that these Haitian individuals are currently in the United States legally under TPS, a status granted to those fleeing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions in their home countries. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) abruptly revoked Haiti’s TPS last year, a decision that could be overturned by U.S. District Court Judge Ana C. Reyes, whose ruling is expected on February 2nd.
If the revocation stands, “they could potentially be arrested, detained, or put in removal proceedings,” explains Emily Brown, Immigration Clinic Director at Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Editor-in-chief David DeWitt of the Ohio Capital Journal emphasizes, “Haitians are currently in the United States legally.” He notes that “Trump is revoking their legal status on February 3, and then, according to reports, immediately sending ICE in to Springfield and Columbus, Ohio, to target them.”
A Return to Danger
The prospect of deportation is terrifying, as Haiti has been described as “the most dangerous country in the world.” Amidst a brutal gang war, the United Nations reported over 8,100 deaths between January and November 2025. Pushon Jacques, a 41-year-old TPS holder, articulates the fear: “The situation in Haiti—especially the political situation—has made Haiti unlivable… There is no place in Haiti that is safe right now.” The loss of status means he won’t be able to work or provide for his family, plunging them into an impossible situation.
Community Rises Up
Despite the official rhetoric and impending threat, the Springfield community is not standing idly by. Residents are actively preparing for what many perceive as a siege. Churches are organizing role-playing sessions to train members on how to respond if ICE agents attempt to breach their doors, and phone chains have been established to alert vulnerable community members when agents are spotted.
The Haitian Support Center’s executive director, Viles Dorsainvil, describes the “terror” gripping the community. “The folks are fearful,” he said. “They came here just to work and send their kids to school and be here peacefully. All of a sudden, they find themselves in another scenario where they’re not accepted… They are panicked, and the worst thing is that they can’t even plan their lives for three months down the road.”
The Springfield City Council has even passed a resolution urging federal agents to comply with local policies requiring identification and prohibiting masks, though the city lacks the authority to enforce these on federal agents. “Springfield is a good place,” Jacques added, highlighting his positive experiences and appreciation for the community.
Calls for Protection and Accountability
Even Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, has voiced his support for the state’s Haitian community, stating, “I don’t think it’s in our interest in this country for all the Haitians who are working, who are sometimes working two jobs, supporting their family, supporting the economy, I think it’s a mistake to tell these individuals you can no longer work and have to leave the country.” While there has been no formal communication from federal authorities to the governor’s office regarding ICE’s plans, DeWine committed to ensuring “people don’t get hurt.”
The ACLU of Ohio is closely monitoring the situation, vowing to watch for unconstitutional actions. J. Bennett Guess, ACLU Ohio executive director, condemned the impending surge: “This despicable surge in lawless ICE officers descending upon Springfield will ignite swells of fear within the Haitian community, terrorize our Black and Brown neighbors, and cause considerable damage to citizens and non-citizens alike.” He urged state and local officials to “do everything in their power to protect the 30,000 Haitians living in Central Ohio” and called on Congress to “reject a DHS budget that allows these lawless agencies to continue putting our communities in danger.”
As Springfield braces for what many fear will be a targeted and brutal operation, the focus remains on the human cost – the lives of individuals who sought refuge and built new lives, now facing an uncertain and terrifying future.
Source: Original Article
