Ohio Churches Defend Haitian Community Against Trump's Attacks
In Springfield, Ohio, churches are standing firm against political attacks on the Haitian community, offering vital support networks amid ongoing uncertainty over temporary protected status (TPS) legal protections. At Central Christian Church, congregants recently celebrated a federal judge's decision to block the Trump administration's attempt to end TPS for 350,000 Haitians in the US, a rare moment of relief in a tense climate.
Churches as Pillars of Support
Pastor Carl Ruby of Central Christian Church emphasized in a sermon that during times of suffering, the silence of God does not equate to absence. Similarly, Pastor Viles Dorsainvil, who settled in Springfield in 2021, preached that God will act through calamities, fear, and anxiety. These messages resonate deeply as Haitians in Springfield face upheaval, exacerbated by false claims amplified by Donald Trump during his 2024 presidential run, alleging Haitians were stealing and eating pets.
The city has developed a resistance infrastructure, with churches like Central Christian providing services in Haitian Creole and opening doors to thousands of Haitians. A local network of churches, legal advocates, non-profits, and volunteers loudly proclaims that Haitians are welcome, especially as finding safe spaces becomes increasingly difficult.
Escalating Threats and Legal Battles
After Trump's rhetoric gained national attention during a debate against Kamala Harris, Springfield experienced bomb threats at schools and government buildings, along with marches by white nationalist groups demanding Haitians leave. Upon Trump's return to the presidency, his administration announced the termination of TPS, a status allowing Haitians affected by political unrest or natural disasters to live and work legally in the US. Although a federal judge blocked this order, an appeal has left Haitians in legal limbo.
Speculation about federal immigration agents being deployed to detain Haitians has added to the fear. Recently, schools and county offices received another round of bomb threats, with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine noting the essence was to expel Haitians. Amid this, advocates are expanding efforts to support the community, with Dorsainvil highlighting the power of unity.
Shifting from Services to Protection
Churches have long been the backbone of Springfield's resistance, organizing support even before Trump's spotlight in 2024. Dorsainvil opened the Haitian Community Help and Support Center in 2023, offering civil rights training, English lessons, and church services. Other churches provided English classes and partnered with social service agencies for health screenings and school readiness programs.
As enforcement threats intensified, support shifted from services to protection. The Haitian Community Help and Support Center now operates remotely to ensure safety, while church leaders speak more publicly. In an open letter, 154 Episcopal bishops urged Americans to stand with vulnerable people, emphasizing moral responsibility over fear.
Reverend Michelle Boomgaard explained that fear persists despite the TPS ruling, noting that for Haitians, it's not just about the law but the hateful attitudes that made such threats acceptable. Volunteers have adapted by creating emergency plans, including childcare hubs at churches and coordinated food deliveries for those afraid to leave home.
Community Resilience in Action
Other community members, like Haitian-American interpreter Margery Koveleski, have become lifelines, assisting with work permits, passport applications, and medical paperwork. She describes the emotional toll, with children clinging to parents in fear, and the community preparing for worst-case scenarios based on violent ICE operations elsewhere.
Volunteers role-play scenarios to document ICE encounters and use strategies like whistle alerts. Despite the panic, leaders like Dorsainvil remain hopeful, anticipating a final ruling soon and urging readiness. The collective effort underscores a powerful message: in Springfield, unity and compassion are driving forces against adversity.
