U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing to launch a major operation to locate and arrest Haitian nationals whose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is nearing its end, according to multiple federal sources. The expanded enforcement action is anticipated to commence as soon as this week.
The Supreme Court's transmission of its certified judgment to lower courts on Monday is expected to allow the administration to move forward with ending TPS for over 300,000 Haitians. Ohio is slated to be a primary focus for these operations, particularly the city of Springfield, which has a significant Haitian population, sources familiar with the plans stated.
This anticipated enforcement surge follows the Supreme Court's decision last month to reverse lower-court rulings that had previously delayed the termination of TPS for Haiti and Syria amid ongoing litigation. TPS was initially granted to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, providing eligible individuals from designated countries facing conflict or disaster with temporary legal residency and work authorization in the U.S.
The Trump administration has pursued ending Haiti's TPS designation, asserting that the program was not intended to offer a path to permanent legal status. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson characterized the Supreme Court's ruling as a "tremendous win," stating that "temporary protected status is, by definition, temporary."
James Percival, General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), also commented on the ruling, writing on X that "The Court vindicates DHS yet again. The T in TPS stands for TEMPORARY, yet many of these designations became de facto amnesty. This is a win for the rule of law and common sense."
Springfield has become a focal point in national immigration discussions, with the rapid growth of its Haitian community drawing attention during the 2024 presidential campaign. ICE and DHS have been contacted for comment regarding the planned enforcement operation.