DHS Official Says ICE Would Have Acted If Haiti Immigration Protection Ended

Homeland Security statement reveals no specific enforcement plans were made, despite concerns from state and local officials.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Department of Homeland Security official stated in a sworn statement that ICE would have acted to enforce immigration laws if the temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants had been allowed to expire on February 3, 2026. However, the official also said DHS did not have any 'specific actions' planned, despite concerns from state and local officials in areas with large Haitian TPS populations.

Why it matters

The statement from the DHS official provides insight into the federal government's plans, or lack thereof, for potential immigration enforcement actions against Haitian TPS holders if the protections had been allowed to lapse. This raises questions about the administration's preparedness and the potential impact on local communities with significant Haitian immigrant populations.

The details

In a sworn statement filed with a federal court, Liana Castano, the DHS assistant director for field operations within ICE and Enforcement and Removal Operations, said that while DHS would have acted to enforce immigration laws if the TPS designation had been terminated, the department did not have any 'specific actions' planned. This contradicts concerns raised by state and local officials in Ohio, who said they were preparing for an 'immigration enforcement blitz' in areas with large Haitian TPS populations.

  • On February 2, 2026, a federal judge ruled in favor of those suing to stall the cancellation of TPS for Haitians.
  • On February 6, 2026, the judge ordered DHS to file a sworn statement about any enforcement plans by February 10.

The players

Liana Castano

The DHS assistant director for field operations within ICE and Enforcement and Removal Operations, who has worked for ICE for almost 20 years.

Judge Ana Reyes

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia judge who ruled in favor of those suing to stall the cancellation of TPS for Haitians.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose administration requested a pause of the judge's order while it appeals the decision.

Mike DeWine

The governor of Ohio who said ICE has promised to give him 24 hours' notice of any planned increase in enforcement actions in Springfield.

Chris Clark

The Clark County, Ohio sheriff who said bomb threats targeting schools and government buildings in the area appear to be hoaxes sent by 'overseas actors.'

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What they’re saying

“DHS did not take action to enforce the termination ... because the termination was stayed. However, if the termination had not been stayed, DHS would have acted to enforce the immigration laws in light of the termination, just as it has acted to enforce immigration laws against past TPS holders.”

— Liana Castano, DHS Assistant Director for Field Operations

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant the Trump administration's request to pause her order and allow the TPS designation for Haitians to expire while the decision is appealed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the uncertainty and potential disruption facing Haitian immigrant communities, as well as the lack of clear planning and communication from federal immigration authorities regarding potential enforcement actions, despite concerns raised by state and local officials.