Haitian migrants in Springfield face uncertainty as Temporary Protected Status nears its end, sparking fears of arrests and deportations.

Ohio politicians are largely reticent to say much about the looming Feb. 3 expiration of many Haitian immigrants’ legal status, or the federal immigration enforcement that is expected but uncertain in the Springfield area.

Officials are preparing for the possible surge of ICE officers in Springfield, where several thousand Haitians reside.

Gov. Mike DeWine said Ohio officials are preparing for potential ICE activity in Springfield when Haitians lose temporary protected status.

Faith leaders from across Ohio gathered Monday in Springfield to pray for the Haitians, who could face possible deportation beginning Tuesday.

The Springfield metro area had the worst job losses in the state in the last year, according to new federal survey data, and some researchers and leaders believe there are bound to be more layoffs and job cuts if Haitian nationals in the community lose their work permits.

Hundreds of thousands of Haitians living in Ohio and the U.S. are set to lose their legal status Tuesday, absent further court action.

An Enquirer analysis found foreign-born residents, like Haitian immigrants in Springfield, account for 60% of Ohio's population growth.