(The Center Square) A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has extended Temporary Protected Status for nearly 350,000 Haitians throughout the country, including roughly 13,000 in Springfield, Ohio.
The protected status was scheduled to end today, prompting fears the federal government would launch ICE operations in Springfield to arrest immigrants, similar to those in Minneapolis.
But U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes on Monday night extended the protected status.
“The Government does not cite any reason termination must occur post haste,” she wrote.
In the ruling, the judge criticized U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“Secretary Noem complains of strains unlawful immigrants place on our immigration-enforcement system,” the judge wrote. “Her answer? Turn 352,959 lawful immigrants into unlawful immigrants overnight. She complains of strains to our economy. Her answer? Turn employed lawful immigrants who contribute billions in taxes into the legally unemployable.”
On social media, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin promised to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Supreme Court, here we come. This is lawless activism that we will be vindicated on. Haiti’s TPS was granted following an earthquake that took place over 15 years ago, it was never intended to be a de facto amnesty program, yet that’s how previous administrations have used it for decades. Temporary means temporary and the final word will not be from an activist judge legislating from the bench,” McLaughlin wrote on X.
In a statement, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue called the ruling shows the contributions Haitians make to the Springfield community.
“It reflects the reality that many individuals are working, pay taxes, raising families and contributing every day to the life of our city,” Rue said in a statement. “Economic stability in our community matters because uncertainty can affect businesses, workers and families alike. We respect the judicial process and remain committed to the wellbeing of the people who call our city home.”
Ohio Senate Democrats called Monday for the federal government to extend TPS for Haitians in Springfield.
“When their legal status is called into question, it creates uncertainty not just for them, but for local businesses, schools, and governments trying to plan responsibly,” the Democrats said in an open letter. “These are families that came here years ago seeking a better, safer life. Many have children who were born here in the United States, and many of them have no safe place to return to in Haiti.”
Ending protective status will mean that “overnight, their jobs and livelihoods are threatened,” the letter said.
On its website, the city of Springfield says it has experienced a “surge” in population over the last several years mainly because of an influx of legal immigrants. They were attracted to Springfield because of the lower cost of living and availability of jobs, the city said.
Springfield has never designated itself as a “sanctuary city,” according to the website.
“Haitians are more likely to be the victims of crime than they are to be the perpetrators in our community,” the city said.
