TikTokers Spread Rumors About Springfield Churches Collaborating with ICE

Influencers allege local groups are working with immigration authorities to deport Haitian families, but officials deny the claims

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Influencers on TikTok have spread rumors that churches and local groups in Springfield, Ohio are collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport Haitian immigrants and take their children. However, officials and community leaders deny these allegations, stating that they are simply preparing to support families if Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians expires. The online attacks have led to threatening calls and messages for local pastors and organizations.

Why it matters

The rumors come as Springfield prepares for the possible expiration of TPS for Haitian immigrants, which could lead to the deportation of thousands of Haitian residents. Local faith groups have been working to help these families plan for potential detention or deportation, but online misinformation is causing confusion and fear in the community.

The details

The rumors began after a local group, 614icewatch, posted on Instagram asking people to stay away from Springfield unless outside help was requested. This prompted influencers on TikTok to allege that local groups and churches were collaborating with ICE to deport Haitian families and take their children. However, officials and community leaders deny these claims, stating that they are simply preparing to support families if TPS expires. The Rev. Carl Ruby, a leader of the local group G92, said they are committed to a peaceful, nonviolent presence and are not trying to take Haitian children away from their families.

  • On Feb. 3, a post by 614icewatch on Instagram sparked the online rumors.
  • On Feb. 2, a judge postponed the Trump administration's cancellation of TPS for Haitians, but the decision is being appealed.
  • Since July 2025, G92 has hosted at least 9 trainings with over 600 people in attendance to prepare for the potential expiration of TPS.

The players

614icewatch

A local group that posted on Instagram asking people to stay away from Springfield unless outside help was requested, sparking the online rumors.

G92

A local group of 20 churches and several individuals that formed in May 2025 to help Haitian immigrants facing deportation. They have been the subject of much of the online activity.

Rev. Carl Ruby

The senior pastor at Central Christian Church in Springfield and a leader in G92. He has received threatening phone calls and messages due to the online rumors.

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio, who has vocally supported Haitian immigrants and said he disagrees with the end of Temporary Protected Status.

Tom McGrath

The Clark County Department of Job and Family Services Director, who said a large church could serve as a place to house many children if TPS ends and parents are deported or detained.

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What they’re saying

“We're not trying to take Haitian children away from parents. All of these children are with their families. None of them have been removed from their homes and the only way they would be is if ICE makes that happen. If that happens, we are prepared to make sure children are cared for. We're not going to let ICE abandon them on the streets.”

— Rev. Carl Ruby, Senior Pastor, Central Christian Church (dispatch.com)

“They're certainly not doing anything nefarious. What they're trying to do is prepare for a possibility that we end up, that Clark County ends up, with a number of children whose parents are no longer there. We hope that doesn't happen but if it does, we have to be prepared for that.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Trump administration's appeal of the decision postponing the cancellation of TPS for Haitians.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges and misinformation surrounding immigration issues, particularly when it comes to vulnerable populations like Haitian immigrants. It underscores the importance of clear communication, fact-checking, and supporting local community efforts to prepare for and respond to potential changes in immigration policies.