An estimated 550 people lined the sidewalks outside the federal immigration office at Kenwood and Malsbary roads in Blue Ash on Sunday, Aug. 2, singing hymns and waving signs as Haitian immigrants walked in for mandatory check-in appointments. Now organizers Ignite Peace and the Miami Valley Immigration Coalition are calling residents back for a second solidarity vigil at the same location on Sunday, Aug. 9.
The Aug. 2 gathering drew faith leaders, families and advocates from across the region to the ICE field office at 9875 Redhill Drive, where Haitian immigrants have been reporting since Temporary Protected Status for Haiti expired July 27. The crowd estimate came from Ignite Peace, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
Rev. Amy Snow, a minister at Knox Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, escorted immigrants along the path to the facility's entrance. She told WVXU that scripture compelled her to be there.
"Haitians are our neighbors, and the scripture is very clear that we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves," Snow said. "That was what Jesus said was the most important thing: to love God and love your neighbor."
As immigrants entered the building, the crowd waved and shouted encouragement. Several people waved back. Some could be seen wiping tears from their eyes.
Springfield families feel the impact
Lou Ann and Norm Horstman of Springfield have spent two years working alongside displaced Haitian families in their community. They drove to Blue Ash on Aug. 2 to accompany neighbors to their appointments.
Norm Horstman told WVXU that the families they work with have lost jobs and stopped leaving their homes out of fear, calling them "our neighbors" and "our kids' friends." Lou Ann Horstman said the situation has reached into everyday life: her grandson's basketball team was forced to forfeit games because Haitian teammates did not feel safe enough to show up.
After the vigil ended, the Horstmans stayed behind with members of Ignite Peace, huddling just outside the facility's front door in a light rain to pray.
Ankle monitors and 30-day court dates
Haitian immigrants who reported for their Aug. 2 appointments emerged wearing ankle monitors, with court dates set roughly 30 days out. At least one resident, Sony Prenice, told the Enquirer she was given the choice between an ankle monitor or deportation with a $2,600 payment. She chose the monitor, which restricts her to a 75-mile radius from her address.
Viles Dorsainvil, executive director of the Springfield Haitian Support Center, has personally driven more than a dozen former TPS holders to the Blue Ash office since July 27. He told WYSO on July 31 that he is grieving for his country and his people, calling the situation "tough, really tough."
What's next
The second vigil is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 9, at the corner of Kenwood Road and Malsbary Road in Blue Ash. An organizer-affiliated Instagram post lists a 7 a.m. start time. Ignite Peace stated on Facebook on Aug. 2 that the purpose of the gatherings is to bear witness and show support for Haitian neighbors facing deportation proceedings.
Springfield is home to an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Haitian residents, thousands of whom held TPS work permits before the program expired.
Upcoming: Second solidarity vigil, Sunday, Aug. 9, corner of Kenwood and Malsbary roads, Blue Ash. Check Ignite Peace social media accounts for time updates.
