Ohio Governor Criticizes Plan to Deport Haitian Migrants

Columbus, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed opposition to the Trump administration’s initiative to increase arrests and deportations of Haitian migrants, labeling it a mistake. He argued that the plan could harm Ohio’s economy and endanger Haitians facing insecurity in their homeland.

Over 300,000 Haitians are expected to lose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) this week. This program safeguards them from deportation and permits them to work within the United States. The Supreme Court upheld the administration’s intent to terminate TPS for Haitians. Reports from CBS News indicated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could begin deportation operations focusing on Haitian migrants.

The focus may include the Haitian community in Ohio, particularly in Springfield, where many have settled. During the 2024 campaign, President Trump alleged, without evidence, that Haitian immigrants were involved in actions like eating cats and dogs in Springfield.

In an interview conducted in Columbus, DeWine remarked that the planned operations would significantly affect Springfield and Ohio overall. “These are people who have helped Springfield really come back,” DeWine mentioned, highlighting their contributions to filling jobs and establishing businesses in the city.

DeWine emphasized Haiti’s severe security issues, describing it as a place controlled by gangs with little government stability. The U.S. State Department has similarly cautioned against travel to Haiti due to the dangerous conditions. “Haiti is hell today,” said DeWine, predicting many Haitians would consider moving elsewhere rather than returning.

Since a devastating earthquake in 2010, Haiti held TPS status, enabling hundreds of thousands of Haitians to reside in the U.S. In 2024, the Biden administration extended TPS because of Haiti’s ongoing violence and instability.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decided to withdraw TPS for Haitians, stating it was no longer in the national interest and implying migration posed a risk to the U.S. According to the DHS, conditions in Haiti have improved sufficiently for citizens to return home.

As of last year, around 334,000 Haitians had Temporary Protected Status. This decision was part of a broader effort to diminish TPS for several countries. The DHS identified TPS as a temporary measure that had transformed into a “de facto amnesty program.” They urged people losing their protected status to self-deport for $2,600 and a complimentary flight home.

This removal of protection faced legal challenges, and a judge ruled against the move, referring to it as “arbitrary and capricious” with elements of racial bias. The Supreme Court, however, allowed the government’s plan to proceed, affecting countries like Haiti and Syria.

Governor DeWine has previously countered Mr. Trump’s opinions on Haitian immigrants. In a 2024 CBS News interview, DeWine dismissed the president’s allegations about Haitians, calling them internet rumors without factual support. DeWine acknowledged challenges in Springfield due to the significant immigrant population but praised Haitian migrants for their strong work ethic and contributions.