Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are bracing for uncertainty and fear as Donald Trump returns to office. His previous campaign made their community a centerpiece, with promises of “large deportations” and the spread of inflammatory, baseless claims.
During his re-election bid, Trump echoed unfounded allegations from his running mate, J.D. Vance, accusing Haitian immigrants of stealing and eating pets. The accusations, dismissed as false, nonetheless spotlighted the Haitian community in Springfield, causing widespread anxiety.
“I think there is a kind of paradigm shift from the way the comments used to be to the way they are right now,” said Vilés Dorsainvil, executive director of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center. “Before it was more calling people names, all types of names. Now it’s changing to like, ‘You guys have to start packing up because Trump is coming.’”
The Columbus Dispatch reported that Vance’s social media claims in September thrust the community into the national spotlight. Trump later repeated these false allegations during a presidential debate, further fueling the tension. Despite the controversy, Springfield resident Dina Paul noted a sense of support from many locals.
“Most of the local residents knew what was up and stood up for us,” Paul said. The Haitian Support Center has proactively prepared for Trump’s return, hosting training sessions to educate immigrants on their rights when interacting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
These sessions emphasize the right to remain silent and include advice on designating guardians for children in case of detention. However, Dorsainvil reported incidents of harassment, with some Haitian residents being told to “pack their bags” while walking in town. “We started way before today,” Dorsainvil said on Inauguration Day, underscoring the center’s ongoing efforts.
While some in Springfield have shown solidarity, tensions remain. Pro-Haitian demonstrators at a protest Monday were occasionally jeered by passersby, and more subtle effects of Trump’s rhetoric have emerged.
“The thing that hurt through all that [is] I live on the south side, and walking around you could see children out playing,” said Springfield resident Clara Copeland. “After, the Haitian people just went inside.”
As the Haitian community navigates this fraught political moment, the actions of local allies and advocacy groups will play a crucial role in countering fear and providing support.