Bomb Threats Disrupt Ohio City Amid Immigration Debate

Suspicious packages and evacuations prompt response in Springfield, home to large Haitian population

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Bomb threats on Monday forced the temporary closure of schools and municipal buildings in Springfield, Ohio, where the sizable population of Haitians has made the small city a focus of the debate over immigration and President Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign. Governor Mike DeWine said the threats referenced 'Get rid of Haitians,' and the FBI was involved in the investigation.

Why it matters

Springfield has faced previous bomb threats tied to its large Haitian immigrant population, which has made the city a flashpoint in the national immigration debate. The latest threats come as a federal court ruling staved off the possibility of deportations of hundreds of thousands of Haitians nationwide, an issue closely watched in the city.

The details

On Monday, bomb threats forced the evacuation of schools and municipal buildings in Springfield. Suspicious packages were found at two locations. The threats referenced 'Get rid of Haitians,' according to the governor. Bomb squads and police responded, and downtown streets were temporarily blocked off before reopening later in the day.

  • The bomb threats began around 7:45 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Downtown streets were reopened to normal traffic around 1 p.m. on the same day.

The players

Mike DeWine

The governor of Ohio who said the bomb threats referenced 'Get rid of Haitians.'

Rob Rue

The mayor of Springfield, Ohio, who said there was 'no immediate or credible threat to the public' later in the day.

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What they’re saying

“These are threats that referenced Haitians. The essence was, Get rid of Haitians.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (New York Times)

“There was 'no immediate or credible threat to the public at this time'.”

— Rob Rue, Mayor of Springfield (New York Times)

What’s next

The FBI is continuing its investigation into the bomb threats, and authorities are working to determine the source and motive behind the incidents.

The takeaway

The bomb threats in Springfield highlight the ongoing tensions and debates around immigration policy, particularly regarding the city's sizable Haitian population. The threats disrupt the community and raise concerns about public safety, underscoring the need for constructive dialogue and solutions that address the root issues.