Hundreds of Haitian immigrants in Ohio are being fitted with GPS ankle monitors after the Trump administration stripped them of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), according to reports from multiple outlets. The move follows the termination of TPS for roughly 350,000 Haitians nationwide, ending protections that had allowed them to live and work legally in the U.S. for years.
ICE confirms tracking measures
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun requiring some Haitian TPS recipients to appear at local offices, where they are being issued ankle monitors. The devices are being used to track individuals who previously held legal status but now face potential deportation. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed the enforcement actions but did not provide further details on the scope or criteria for monitoring.
Community impact in Ohio
In Springfield, Ohio, local organizations report that hundreds of Haitian immigrants have received "DHS Call-In Letters" ordering them to visit ICE offices within 30 days. Viles Dorsainvil, executive director of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center, stated that individuals are being released from check-ins with ankle monitors attached. "It is so humiliating to see parents, fathers and mothers, who have not been committing any crime now with some type of ankle bracelets on their feet," Dorsainvil said. "That has created so much fear."
Churches and community spaces affected
The enforcement actions have disrupted community activities in Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where Haitian congregations report sharp declines in attendance. Roosevelt Toussaint, senior pastor of the Word of Life Center in Salisbury, said Sunday service attendance dropped by more than half. Events such as bridal showers, barbecues, and English-language classes have been canceled due to fears of arrest and deportation.
Policy background and legal status
TPS was established by Congress to provide temporary relief to nationals of countries facing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. The Trump administration terminated TPS for Haitians, citing improved conditions in the country despite ongoing reports of gang violence, famine, and political instability. Critics argue the decision exposes recipients to dangerous conditions upon return.
Reactions from advocacy groups
Immigration advocates have condemned the use of ankle monitors, comparing the practice to historical methods of persecution. Steve Forester, immigration policy coordinator for the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, noted that Haitians with pending asylum claims are also receiving call-in letters. "Haitians with TPS, regardless of whether they have a pending asylum claim, have gotten a 'DHS Call-In Letter' to appear at ICE offices in person," Forester said.
Public sentiment and rhetoric
Reports indicate a rise in hostility toward Haitian immigrants, with online and in-person harassment escalating in Ohio and other states. Denise Williams, president of the Springfield NAACP, described a surge in hate speech targeting Haitian residents, including calls for their removal from the U.S. Williams emphasized the contributions of Haitian immigrants to the community and expressed concern for their safety amid the rhetoric.
Broader implications
The enforcement actions mark a significant shift for a population that had lived and worked legally in the U.S. for years. Many recipients had driver’s licenses, paid taxes, and raised families under TPS protections. The use of ankle monitors has drawn comparisons to criminal monitoring, raising questions about the legal and ethical implications of tracking individuals who have not been convicted of crimes.