Faith leaders in Springfield gather to urge politicians to protect Haitians

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WSYX) — With the Temporary Protection Status for Haitian immigrants ending, the local Haitian community in Springfield continues to speak out as they wait for answers on what comes next.

“ICE, Christians, and Non-Christians, demonstrate compassion to the vulnerable Haitian community,” said Jimmy Pierre, a Haitian pastor.

On Wednesday, nine pastors and faith leaders in Springfield spoke out to urge politicians to help the Haitians that have been in Central Ohio for decades under Temporary Protection Status not to be deported back to Haiti.

Pastor Carl Ruby of Central Christian Church said with the current instability of the country of Haiti, if Haitians are sent back, they will be subject to violent and inhumane conditions.

He added that some people in Haiti are being kidnapped and raped.

“If all of the Haitians in Springfield who have been on TPS are sent back to Haiti, that means some of the teenage girls that have sat in our city schools next to our own children are probably going to be subject to that,” Ruby said.

Jimmy Pierre is a pastor at Gospel Grace Haitian Baptist Church.

He said Haitians in Springfield have built businesses, bought homes, paid taxes and created families.

He said while they have not seen ICE in Springfield yet, he questions what will happen if the thousands of Haitians who work and rent homes there leave.

“They live in theirs and rent them so take away those Haitians here, who is going to rent those out?” Pierre asked. “No one.”

ABC 6 went to Springfield Mayor Rob Rue’s office to ask questions. A representative said he was not in Wednesday, and his office has not responded to email inquiries.

Late Tuesday, Rue expressed support for the Haitian community in Springfield in a statement:

“Many of those affected have become part of Springfield. They are our neighbors, coworkers, business owners, parents and taxpayers who contribute to our community every day. Immigration policy is the responsibility of the federal government. The City’s responsibility is to provide essential services, maintain public safety and serve everyone in our community fairly and in accordance with the law. We will continue to fulfill that responsibility professionally and consistently.

“This is also a moment for Congress to lead. Many immigrants have spent years working, paying taxes, raising families and contributing to communities across our country. Under the current legal framework, there is no opportunity for a permanent legislative solution for many of these individuals. That responsibility belongs to Congress.”

Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine also has said ending protections for Haitians is a mistake.

“You do not have to be a Democrat or anything else to care about people who are without food or to fill a responsibility to prevent children from being raped,” Ruby said.

Ruby added that more needs to be done to protect their Haitian neighbors.