On a quiet Sunday morning in Springfield, Ohio, the Rev. Reginald Silencieux knelt at the altar of the First Haitian Evangelical Church, the American and Haitian flags standing solemnly behind him. Encircled by ushers and musicians, he bowed his head in prayer, seeking divine protection for his congregation. Outside the church’s walls, uncertainty loomed large. Members of the Haitian community, once vibrant and hopeful, were now gripped by fear as the threat of deportation under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies cast a long shadow.
Rev. Reginald Silencieux told AP News, “I asked God to protect my people. I prayed especially for the Haitian community, and I prayed for USA too, because Trump is our president. As a church, we have an obligation to pray for him because he’s our political leader right now.”
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The Haitian residents of Springfield, estimated to be around 15,000, have turned to churches and spiritual goods shops as sources of solace and strength. Many fear the end of their Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which has allowed them to live and work in the U.S. legally. The uncertainty has led some to retreat into their homes, avoiding public spaces out of fear of immigration raids.
The community’s concerns have escalated as reports of arrests in other cities spread, heightening the anxiety about what might come next. Many Haitian immigrants in Springfield are hard-working, law-abiding individuals, yet they feel vulnerable and uncertain about their future.
Tensions in Springfield intensified after Trump falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants in the city were eating dogs and cats. The baseless remarks fueled anti-immigrant sentiment in the predominantly white, blue-collar town of 59,000, leading to bomb threats against government offices, schools, and elected officials.
Businesses in the Haitian community, once bustling with activity, have seen a decline in customers as people choose to stay indoors rather than risk exposure. Shops specializing in Haitian spiritual and natural healing goods have become not only places of commerce but also informal support centers where people seek guidance on immigration paperwork and legal processes.
Fear has begun to affect daily life for Haitian immigrants in Springfield. Many struggle to sleep at night, weighed down by the anxiety of an uncertain future. Families with children worry about what will happen to them if forced to return to a country struggling with violence and instability. Some parents see no viable future for their children in Haiti and are desperate to remain in the United States.
At the First Haitian Evangelical Church, dwindling attendance has become a troubling sign of the community’s distress. Many choose to stay home rather than gather for worship, fearing that their presence in public spaces could put them at risk. Church leaders urge them to remain vigilant rather than allow fear to control their lives.
Springfield is not alone in its anxiety. Across the country, religious and interfaith organizations in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Portland are mobilizing to provide support and sanctuary to vulnerable immigrant communities. Many worry about the rhetoric coming from the White House. Trump’s derogatory remarks about Haiti and African nations, along with his focus on migrant-related crime, have only deepened the sense of alienation among those seeking a better life.
Among Springfield’s Haitian residents, many reflect on the painful reality of their homeland. Some recall tragic moments when violence or instability prevented them from accessing essential medical care, forcing them to endure loss from afar. Many of those relying on TPS protections know that their ability to remain in the U.S. is temporary, and with the policy set to expire in February 2026, they hope for a renewal that will allow them to continue building their lives in safety.
With the conditions in Haiti deteriorating, many Haitian immigrants believe that returning is not a viable option. They hold onto the hope that the U.S. government will recognize the dangers they face and grant them the opportunity to remain. In the meantime, they continue to navigate an uncertain future, turning to faith and community for strength.
