Haitians in South Florida Fear Deportation Despite TPS Ruling

Haitian immigrants remain anxious about potential ICE enforcement despite a federal judge blocking the termination of Temporary Protected Status.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Although a federal judge has temporarily blocked the U.S. government from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, fear continues to grip Haitian communities across South Florida. Many Haitian immigrants are changing their daily routines, avoiding errands, skipping work, and limiting travel out of concern they could be detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Department of Homeland Security has stated it would have begun deporting Haitians if the judge's ruling had not stayed the termination of TPS.

Why it matters

The ongoing uncertainty around TPS status and potential ICE enforcement has created a climate of fear and anxiety within South Florida's Haitian immigrant communities, even after a federal judge blocked the termination of the program. This highlights the broader challenges faced by immigrant communities navigating complex legal and political landscapes.

The details

A federal judge blocked the termination of TPS for Haitians just hours before it was set to expire. However, the Trump administration has since filed an appeal, asking the judge to pause her ruling. In response, the judge ordered the Department of Homeland Security to submit a declaration outlining any plans to mobilize ICE agents in areas with large Haitian populations. DHS stated it has no specific plans, but added that it would have enforced immigration laws following the program's end if the termination had not been stayed.

  • On February 11, 2026, a federal judge temporarily blocked the U.S. government from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians.
  • The Trump administration has since filed an appeal, asking the judge to pause her ruling.

The players

Judge Ana Reyes

The federal judge who blocked the termination of TPS for Haitians.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The government agency that oversees immigration enforcement and had planned to begin deporting Haitians if the TPS termination had not been blocked.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants, which Haitian TPS holders fear could target them.

Linda Julien

A Miami Gardens City Councilwoman who is Haitian American and is working to support the community during this uncertain time.

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What they’re saying

“I'm letting them know things are going to be okay and that we're advocating for you. We're working with our local, state, and national elected officials just trying to make sense of this and reach a good middle ground.”

— Linda Julien, Miami Gardens City Councilwoman (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

Judge Reyes is scheduled to hold another hearing on the case Thursday morning at 10 a.m.

The takeaway

The ongoing uncertainty around TPS status and potential ICE enforcement has created a climate of fear and anxiety within South Florida's Haitian immigrant communities, highlighting the broader challenges faced by immigrant populations navigating complex legal and political landscapes.