Faith

Haitian pastors lead 40-mile march from Springfield to Ohio Statehouse demanding end to deportations

Haitian pastors and community members from Springfield, Ohio, are walking a four-day, 40-plus-mile pilgrimage to the Ohio Statehouse, demanding an end to the ankle-monitoring program, the removal of ICE agents from Springfield, the return of detained Haitians, and permanent protections.

The march began Oct. 21 with community worship at Champion City Church in Springfield, led by Pastor Gilbert Joubert Adrien — who was detained by ICE on Aug. 20 and released on bond on Sept. 15. Marchers, including people wearing ankle monitors, are being joined along the route by clergy and faith leaders from across the state.

The pilgrimage comes after the July 27 termination of Haitian TPS protections, which stripped temporary protected status from Haitians living in the U.S. It ends with a rally on Oct. 24 at West Bank Park in Columbus, on the eve of Reformation Sunday (Oct. 25) — a timing Religion News Service framed around the commandment to love one's neighbor.

Sources: Cincinnati Enquirer (Oct 20, 2026); Religion News Service (Oct 23, 2026).

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