SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The Springfield City Commission unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday urging federal immigration agents, including ICE, to follow local protocols during enforcement operations, including proper identification and avoiding masks, following complaints from residents about unidentified agents.
Mayor Rob Rue introduced the measure after residents raised concerns over masked federal officers, citing fears of violence and lack of accountability. Some compared the presence of unidentified agents to past events, such as neo-Nazi demonstrations in Springfield in 2024 and recent ICE-related shootings in Minneapolis.
Commissioner Larry Ricketts emphasized public safety risks, while Law Director Jill Allen noted the city cannot enforce rules on federal agents but can recommend compliance. Several residents of the city urged continued protections for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, particularly the estimated 10,000–15,000 Haitians in Springfield, who could face deportation.
The Biden administration extended TPS for Haitians to February 3, 2026, but the Department of Homeland Security had attempted to end the program early in September 2025, citing improved conditions in Haiti. A federal judge blocked that termination, though the program’s scheduled expiration remains next month amid multiple lawsuits challenging the decision.
Community members voiced concerns that targeted ICE operations could lead to family separations and trauma, particularly for children. Officials say that all local schools are maintaining normal operations and coordinating with county agencies to support students.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has coordinated with local officials in anticipation of potential ICE enforcement activity, expected to begin around February 4, 2026, focusing on individuals with removal orders but possibly affecting others without legal status. Springfield is not a sanctuary city, and officials stressed they do not intend to obstruct federal enforcement.
Advocacy groups and residents emphasized the humanitarian contributions of the Haitian community. Legal challenges, including NTPSA v. Noem, remain pending in federal courts, with outcomes potentially affecting thousands of Haitian TPS holders nationwide.