Concerns Rise Among Haitian Community Amid Immigration Rhetoric in Springfield

Questions in the Aftermath

On Sunday, over 100 people left the Haitian Community Help and Support Center, which also serves as a church. Some families celebrated baptisms, and others conversed in Creole.

In a corner of the room, Julio Dumano reflected on the past week. He expressed his fears about deportation, saying, “We were very scared at first because they promised to deport us, but maybe they will change their minds. As a good Christian, we will pray and see what happens next.” This sentiment was shared by other Haitian residents.

Dumano noted that some Haitians had already left, scared by rumors and negative attention in recent months. The city lacks an official record of the number of Haitians who moved in or out.

Mayor Rob Rue acknowledged the exodus with disappointment. “That didn’t make me feel good,” he stated. “It wasn’t the goal.”

The goal for Springfield has been to grow the population and stimulate the economy after years of stagnation. The county encouraged companies to create jobs, attracting a wave of Haitian immigrants.

Clark County Commissioner Melanie Wilt, a lifelong resident, said she has never seen so many new businesses, housing developments, and families in Springfield. She affirmed that the county will continue this mission under the Trump administration.

“The biggest impact of the administration was already made,” Wilt added, referencing Trump’s immigration rhetoric. “We remain on standby for whatever comes next.”

During the last Trump administration, some municipalities developed sanctuary city policies to limit deportations. Activists in Springfield considered similar measures but faced swift rejection from Mayor Rue, who stated he would adhere to federal policy.