Concerns about deportation are prevalent within the Haitian community in Springfield

Viles Dorsainvil, the Executive Director of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center, is currently overseeing the refurbishment of their new location at a former fire station on West Pleasant Street in Springfield. During this process, he is predominantly concerned with the anxieties of the community members who benefit from the center’s services.

“The mindset is really disturbing, actually,” Dorsainvil says. “Folks are afraid.”

The primary issue causing distress among the community is related to the immigration policies set by President Donald Trump, as well as the speculated enforcement operations carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Due to these concerns, many individuals are opting to remain hidden and avoid public spaces out of fear for their safety and security.

During a recent interaction with local pastors at a church service, Dorsainvil learned that congregants are hesitant to attend gatherings and events due to the prevailing uncertainties surrounding immigration matters. This trend indicates that the community is significantly impacted by the fear and apprehension that has resulted from these circumstances.

Haitian Community leader and owner of Milokan Botanica, Jacob Payen, sees and hears the same thing. He says he took more than 100 calls on Sunday, many from people worried about the rumored raids. 

“You don’t see that much Haitian presence on the street because they are mostly afraid of deportation,” Payen said.

He sells spiritual products to customers looking for peace of mind through their faith. He also works to give them peace of mind through good information. Payen says he has heard of no ICE raids in Springfield or anywhere in Ohio up to this point.

“Our Haitian community is worried,” Payen said. “Not everybody is as well informed as we are. So, they think, not only there is going to be a raid, but they think everybody is subject to deportation. That’s what they think for the most part, and that causes some people to lose wages because they don’t show up for work. They’re going to get fired.”

Springfield is home to an estimated 12,000-15,000 Haitian immigrants. Many of them are here under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) because of unstable conditions in their home country. TPS for Haiti runs until February of 2026. 

Payen helps those in the Haitian community fill out some immigration forms and refers them to organizations or attorneys who can help with other questions and needs. 

“If you are a law-abiding citizen and you are here legally by way of either (federal) programs, you should not be afraid of anything.”

Dorsainvil says his organization advises immigrants of their rights, such as the right to remain silent, and that they do not have to open their doors to immigration officers without a warrant.

“They are hard workers. They are here just to find a safe place to send their kids to school,” Dorsainvil said. “They are not criminals.” 

The Haitian Community Help and Support Center hopes to open the doors to its new location in early March. Until then, it is still offering service at its current center on South Yellow Springs Street.