As concerns over deportation loom, Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are finding solace and strength in their faith.

At the end of a recent Sunday service, the pastor of the First Haitian Evangelical Church, Rev. Reginald Silencieux, prayed for the Haitian community and the United States, stating, “I asked God to protect my people.” His words resonated deeply with many congregants who had gathered for both spiritual and practical guidance amidst worries about federal enforcement actions exacerbated by AP News.

Springfield is home to approximately 15,000 Haitians who have resettled under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, designed for individuals from areas affected by ongoing conflict, violence, or natural disasters. Community leaders are increasingly anxious that the Biden administration may alter the program, prompting fears that many could soon face deportation.

Viles Dorsainvil, leading the Haitian Community Help and Support Center, noted the panic enveloping families as they watch other communities face immigration raids. “They see the arrests on TV in other parts of the country and they don’t know what’s going to happen,” he expressed, reflecting widespread sentiments in Springfield.

This atmosphere is compounded by past rhetoric from President Trump, who has made derogatory remarks about Haitian immigrants. Since then, anti-immigrant sentiments appear to have risen sharply, leading to fear and isolation within the community. Jacob Payen, a local community leader and shop owner, emphasized, “Now, there’s a fear of deportation. That keeps a lot of people from going out and has caused a lot of people to have left,” as many typically bustling commercial areas have grown quieter.

Brutus Joseph, a Haitian migrant, articulated the pervasive anxiety connected to his family's future, expressing fears for his children's safety and aspirations. “If I leave here, there’s no future for my children,” he said, urging for understanding and empathy from those in power, reflecting a sentiment echoed across many immigrant families.

The impact of such fears on faith communities is profound. Rev. Philomene Philostin noted diminishing church attendance, encouraging congregants to remain vigilant rather than fearful. Meanwhile, support from interfaith groups in cities like New York and Philadelphia is emerging as faith leaders unite to support migrants facing similar challenges.

As the TPS is set to expire in February 2026, many like Romane Pierre, who fled the violence in Port-Au-Prince, continue to hope for its renewal. “Think about Haitians because Haiti is not a place to return to right now,” he implored, reflecting on the dire conditions back home where violence and poverty prevail.

The dire situation in Haiti, compounded by the Trump administration's freeze on aid programs, has drawn international concern. Leslie Voltaire, president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, stated that these policies could have “catastrophic” effects on an already vulnerable population struggling against gangs and starvation.

As Springfield’s Haitian community navigates this uncertain landscape, faith remains a cornerstone of their identity and resilience. Many continue to gather for support and prayer, forging hope in collective strength against adversity. For more insights on the struggles faced by Haitian migrants, visit Los Angeles Times and HuffPost.