A second Haitian pastor has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Springfield, Ohio, as immigration enforcement increases in a city with a large Haitian community.
The detention was confirmed by Central Christian Church Senior Pastor Carl Ruby, who said there are now two Haitian pastors in Springfield in ICE custody. The latest pastor was detained Tuesday and had been transferred to an out-of-state detention facility by Wednesday, according to Ruby. His name has not been publicly released.
The first pastor, Gilbert Joubert Adrien, 41, was detained by ICE on August 20 at a Sunoco gas station on South Limestone Street. Another Haitian man, Victor Yonel, was also detained during the encounter, while two women who were in the vehicle were released. Adrien remains at the Butler County Jail, according to local reporting.
Adrien is a husband and father of two children. His supporters say he has lived in the United States for five years, has no criminal history or previous immigration detention, and has been active in Springfield’s Haitian community. Faith-based organization G92 is calling for his release.
The latest arrests come as Haitian residents in Springfield face increased immigration enforcement following the end of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians. The Supreme Court’s June ruling allowed the Trump administration to terminate the protection, with TPS ending in late July.
ICE has also increased the use of ankle monitors and other forms of electronic monitoring among Haitian immigrants in Springfield, according to local advocates. The increased enforcement has left some residents afraid to leave their homes, attend church or go about their daily routines.
Springfield has become a major center of attention in the immigration debate. The city of about 60,000 people has an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 Haitian residents, according to local reporting. The community drew national attention during the 2024 presidential campaign and has remained at the center of the debate over Haitian immigration.
Ruby and G92 are now calling on ICE and Ohio’s congressional delegation to stop the deportation of Haitian pastors serving their congregations. G92 also says faith leaders from around the country are planning to travel to Springfield this weekend to stand with the city’s Haitian churches and call for Adrien’s release.
The details surrounding the second pastor’s immigration case have not been publicly released. Ruby said the pastor “may be deported within hours or days,” according to the local report.
For Springfield’s Haitian community, the latest detentions are adding to fears about what comes next now that TPS protections have ended.
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