Springfield

A beloved Springfield Haitian pastor is home after being detained in the Butler County Jail for 27 days.

Faith leaders delivered a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine Friday, asking him to protect Haitians immigrants in Ohio who have lost temporary protected status.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has increased arrests and required ankle monitors for many Haitian residents in Springfield.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the department won't stop using GPS ankle devices or seeking to detain and deport Haitian immigrants who no longer have Temporary Protected Status.

The Ohio college student died on Aug. 31. He was among Haitian immigrants required by ICE to wear an ankle monitor or face deportation.

A Springfield man is working with the ACLU of Ohio to sue seven Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers for what he claims is retaliation that violates his First Amendment rights to record officers in public.

Pierre Damas Bel, 20, was a Haitian immigrant who died Monday by apparent suicide after being forced by the Department of Homeland Security to wear a GPS ankle monitor.

The family of Pierre Damas Bel of Springfield believe his death by suicide is connected to the DHS requirement to wear a GPS monitor. Several Haitians and activists called for the monitoring to end.

DeWine also said Tuesday morning the ongoing federal immigration efforts near there are “very misguided.”

Faith leaders and community members gathered for "Unshackle Springfield" Sunday to show unity and protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the city.