SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – As Donald Trump delivered his inaugural address, the Haitian community in Springfield closely watched the event. Inside a local Haitian restaurant, residents gathered to process the return of a president whose rhetoric and policies have deeply impacted their lives.
Since September, Springfield has been at the center of national discussions about immigration. It began when Vice President JD Vance made unsubstantiated claims that Haitian immigrants were eating dogs and cats. Trump echoed these accusations during a presidential debate against Kamala Harris.
Trump’s remarks fueled tensions in Ohio, which is a city of 60,000. Bomb threats, decreased school attendance, and national media attention followed. During his campaign, Trump also promised large-scale deportations targeting Springfield’s Haitian residents, stating, “We will do large deportations from Springfield, Ohio—large deportations. We’re going to get these people out.”
Springfield Community Shows Support
Despite the divisive rhetoric, many Haitian residents feel supported by the local community. Dina Paul, a Springfield resident, described the mixed emotions surrounding the inauguration. “Most of the residents knew what was up and stood up for us,” she said.
Instagram | dorsainvilviles | Vilés Dorsainvil educates Haitians about their rights to ease fears.
Paul, who assists Haitian residents with job applications, highlighted growing concerns about the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This federal designation protects immigrants from countries facing armed conflict or natural disasters, including Haiti. In June, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas extended Haiti’s TPS to February 2026, providing temporary relief.
Paul also noted how local businesses like Rose Goute Creole, a Haitian restaurant, continue to serve as cultural hubs where the community feels appreciated and welcomed.
Preparing for Encounters With ICE
Vilés Dorsainvil, executive director of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center, shared the unease many Haitians feel about Trump’s return to power. “There’s been a shift,” he said. “Before, it was name-calling. Now people say, ‘Start packing because Trump is coming.’”
Dorsainvil recounted incidents where Haitian residents were shouted at and told to “pack their bags” while walking in public. To address these fears, the support center has been conducting workshops to educate immigrants about their rights.
These trainings emphasize essential steps, including:
1. Asking to see a warrant if approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents
2. Remaining silent during encounters with authorities
3. Requesting to speak to a lawyer
4. Designating guardians for children in case of detention
Instagram | scrapb.ook | Protesters in Cleveland show support for Haitian immigrants, despite mixed reactions.
Dorsainvil stated, “We started these trainings long before today.” He also praised local organizations like Springfield Neighbors United for standing in solidarity with immigrants, saying, “Their efforts provide hope and help reduce tension.”
Protests and Public Reactions
On Monday, a small group of protesters from Cleveland braved freezing weather to show support for Haitian immigrants. They held signs at a busy Springfield intersection, receiving mixed reactions from passersby. While some drivers honked in support, others shouted disparaging remarks like, “Suck it up, snowflakes.”
Springfield resident Clara Copeland, who stopped by the protest, observed a noticeable change in the Haitian community following the viral claims in September. “Before all this, you’d see Haitian children playing outside. After the national attention, it felt like they just disappeared indoors,” she said.
Hope Amid Uncertainty
Despite the challenges, the Haitian community in Springfield remains resilient. Local leaders, businesses, and support groups have stepped up to provide a sense of security during uncertain times. Events promoting solidarity have helped foster hope and unity, even as national debates intensify.
