Springfield Detains 15-20 Haitians After TPS Expiration, Offering $2,600 to Self-Deport
Updated
Updated · WHIO · Aug 18
Springfield Detains 15-20 Haitians After TPS Expiration, Offering $2,600 to Self-Deport
3 articles · Updated · WHIO · Aug 18
Summary
At least 15 to 20 Haitian nationals have been detained in Springfield since Temporary Protected Status expired last month, according to immigrant advocates accompanying residents to ICE check-ins.
DHS authorized immigration enforcement in Ohio after the TPS lapse, leaving affected Haitians without legal status and urging them to either leave the country or seek another visa.
Carl Ruby of Springfield G92 said those detained were not accused of crimes and described widespread fear, including a car-wash arrest he said he witnessed.
The federal government is offering $2,600 to people who lost protection if they self-deport, but Ruby said he knows of no one in Springfield who has accepted.
Springfield police and the Clark County Sheriff's Office said they are not directly involved in the federal actions and have no DHS immigration-enforcement agreements.