Full Breakdown
Haitian Immigrants in Ohio Summoned to ICE Offices and Fitted with Ankle Monitors After TPS Termination
8/4/2026, 8:54:18 PM
Core Event: ICE Calls and Ankle Monitors in Springfield and Cincinnati
In early August, DHS sent “call-in” letters to Haitian immigrants in Ohio living under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Recipients had to appear at ICE field offices in Blue Ash (a Cincinnati suburb) and Springfield. At those appointments, some were fitted with GPS ankle monitors that limit movement to a 75-mile radius and assign future court dates.
Background & Context: TPS for Haiti and the Supreme Court Ruling
TPS, created in 1990, grants temporary work authorization and protection from removal to nationals of countries facing extraordinary conditions. Haiti received TPS after the 2010 earthquake, and the designation was renewed repeatedly. In June, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could end TPS for roughly 350,000 Haitians, clearing the way for the DHS letters and monitoring requirements.
Data & Statistics
- About 15,000 Haitians reside in the Springfield area, many as TPS holders.
- Nationwide, the termination affects about 350,000 Haitian TPS recipients.
- Ankle monitors restrict wearers to a 75-mile radius and require ICE permission to travel beyond that zone.
- Recipients were offered a $2,600 check and a free flight home as an alternative to monitoring.
Official Statements & Responses
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called the policy “bad” but said state law-enforcement agencies will “follow the law” in handling ICE activity.
Criticism & Opposition
Local resident Norm Horstman said Haitian families have lost transportation and jobs, describing the situation as a “betrayal” of neighbors who have contributed to the community.
On-the-Ground Reports
Volunteers from the Haitian Support Center and nonprofit ABLE provided transportation, Creole interpretation, and legal assistance at the appointments. Protesters gathered outside the Blue Ash ICE office, singing “This Land Is Your Land” and holding signs such as “Keep TPS” and “Melt ICE.” Organizers estimated attendance at 550 participants.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on how many individuals received ankle monitors: some cite “at least two,” others say “several.” Protest size estimates also vary, with reports of “hundreds” and “550” attendees. ICE has not released an official figure for monitors deployed in Ohio.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Temporary Protected Status is exactly that -- temporary. For too long, TPS has been allowed to function as a de facto amnesty program despite Congress never intending it to be permanent.” — Department
- “This is an embarrassment for the United States of America,” — Sen. Chris Murphy
- “We are just helping these folks to go to this appointment, and when they get there, they interview them and eventually put [an] ankle monitor on them,” — Viles Dorsainvil, Springfield advocate
What’s Next
ICE will continue scheduling follow-up appointments for those with monitors, and community groups plan additional vigils and legal-assistance sessions in the coming weeks. Governor DeWine is expected to address immigration at the Ohio State Fair, which opened on July 29, though no specific policy changes have been announced.
