Springfield mayor calls on Congress to act as Haitian TPS termination moves forward | Local

Acknowledging growing uncertainty for Springfield’s Haitian community, Mayor Rob Rue urged Congress on Tuesday, July 28 to reform federal immigration law and provide a permanent legal solution for immigrants who have built lives, raised families and paid taxes in the city.

Rue, reading from a statement, acknowledged the uncertainty Haitians in the community face now, while urging congress to “lead.”

“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,” Rue said. “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.”

Rue said many immigrants have worked for years, paying taxes, raising their families and otherwise contributing to the community. He urged congress to pass immigration reforms that “secure our borders while creating a clear legal pathway for those who have demonstrated through their actions that they want to work, want to obey the law, pay taxes and contribute to the United States.”

“Under the current legal framework, there is no opportunity for a permanent legislative solution for many of these individuals; that responsibility does belong to congress alone,” Rue said. “As an elected official serving in a non-partisan role, my commitment is to the citizens of Springfield. I believe it’s also important to care about people regardless of their nationality and offer support while following the law.”

Rue said immigration laws must be enforced and those who “repeatedly violate our laws and choose not to become productive members of society should expect those laws to be applied.”

Rue urged everyone to lawfully and peacefully express their views and said the city is focused on all residents’ safety.

“City officials will continue to monitor development and coordinate with our safety partners as appropriate. The Springfield Police Division will continue to carry out its mission of protecting this community,” Rue said. “Lasting solutions require leadership. I hope Congress will seize the opportunity to modernize our immigration system in a way that upholds the rule of law, strengthens our economy, and reflects the values that have long made the United States strong.”

The U.S. Court of Appeals for Washington D.C. Tuesday issued its mandate reversing a lower court decision, following the Supreme Court’s June 25 6-3 decision stating that the Secretary of Homeland Security’s decision to terminate TPS for both Haiti and Syria is not subject to judicial review, clearing the way for the Trump administration to end TPS for both countries. The lower court must soon issue its own order, in alignment with those mandates.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements may ramp up operations across the U.S. and in Springfield to detain and deport Haitian immigrants, both CBS and Fox News reported, citing two unnamed “agency sources” and federal documents. According to CBS, the plans include arresting Haitians and putting them quickly onto deportation flights back to Haiti.

Springfield, which has an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Haitian residents, has been a target of President Donald Trump in the past.

In 2024, Trump — then a presidential candidate — repeated unfounded claims that Haitians in the city were eating people’s pets.

The governor’s office on Monday and Rue Tuesday said they have not heard from DHS on any planned surge into Springfield.

Many Haitians living in Springfield are here on Temporary Protected Status, but others have another legal status like a green card or asylum.

Frequent city commission speaker Diana Daniels said she is “pretty heartbroken” over the end of TPS because “it didn’t have to be this way.” She blamed the situation — without naming him — on Central Christian Church Pastor and Springfield G92 founder Carl Ruby.

“To all the individuals, both Haitian, Hispanic, Guatemalan, Honduran, I pray for you. I pray that you make the right decision,” Daniels said. “The gate is still open. Because I’d like you to come back. I’d like you to come back come back the right way.”

Daniels said she “sent two back,” referring to her neighbors whom she previously said she intends to sponsor upon their return to the country.

“When they come here, they will already know the American language and they’re ready to be citizens,” Daniels said. “That’s the way it should be done.”

Resident Terry Adkins questioned advocates’ efforts to help Haitians and why they did not instead go toward returning them “home.”

“Why didn’t they take all that money, time, and effort and assist these people in getting home safely, re-establishing all the paperwork so they can come back”?” Adkins said. “Because the way the law reads if they leave now they can’t come back.”