At the end of service at the First Haitian Evangelical Church in Springfield, Ohio, Pastor Reginald Silencieux knelt in prayer, surrounded by ushers and musicians. Flanked by the flags of Haiti and the United States, he led a heartfelt plea for protection and guidance in a time of uncertainty.
“I asked God to protect my people,” Silencieux shared after the service. “I prayed especially for the Haitian community and for the U.S. too, because Trump is our president. As a church, we have an obligation to pray for him as our leader.”
Some congregants had come seeking his blessing and advice on how to handle potential federal raids as President Trump ramps up immigration crackdowns. Others stayed home, gripped by fear and growing uncertainty about their futures.
For Springfield’s Haitian community—an estimated 15,000 people—anxiety is running high. Many rely on the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which allows them to remain in the U.S. legally due to ongoing violence and instability in Haiti. But with TPS set to expire in February 2026, there’s widespread fear that Trump won’t renew it.
The tension isn’t new. Last year, Trump falsely accused Haitians in Springfield of eating their neighbors’ cats and dogs, fueling anti-immigrant sentiment in the predominantly white, working-class city. The fallout was immediate, with bomb threats targeting schools, government buildings, and even elected officials’ homes.
The fear has driven many in the community to seek solace in their churches or in spiritual shops offering comfort. Nationwide, faith leaders are stepping up, with interfaith groups in cities like New York and Philadelphia working to provide support and security for migrants, including undocumented individuals.
For Haitian migrants like Pierre, TPS is more than a legal status—it’s a lifeline. Pierre, who lost his 8-year-old daughter in Haiti due to gang violence and lack of access to care, still hopes for a better future in the U.S. “Sometimes, life is difficult,” he said quietly during a break at work.
As the community waits, Pastor Silencieux remains committed to his mission of prayer and support. “We pray for peace, for protection, and for a path forward,” he said, reflecting the hopes of many in a time of uncertainty.
