Luis Andres Henao AP
Singing in Springfield
Faith leaders and members of the World House Choir sing at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, Ohio, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, during an event in support of Haitian migrants fearing the end of their Temporary Protected Status in the U.S. (AP Photo/Luis Andres Henao)
West Ohio Annual Conference | Feb. 5, 2026
United Methodists in Ohio have been preparing since November to witness and care for undocumented persons in the face of violence by federal agents pursuing a nationwide immigration crackdown.
An Ohio city, Springfield, has been targeted previously by federal administration officials because of its large population of Haitian immigrants holding Temporary Protective Status (TPS). The Trump Administration threatened to revoke the TPS but a federal judge issued an order stopping the action for now.
The West Ohio Conference website said: “Several clergy and ministry leaders have requested information and education for members engaged in ministry with our immigrant sisters and brothers, particularly in situations where there is an ICE presence, raid, or deportation action is a possibility.
“In response, the guide “Faithful Preparedness: Equipping Churches for Witness with Undocumented Persons” will help you and your congregation:
- Understand appropriate responses if ICE agents appear on church property.
- Know what to say and what not to say.
- Know what actions are and are not appropriate.
- Maintain a calm presence in moments of fear or uncertainty.
- Protect the dignity and safety of those with whom we are in ministry.
“This guide is designed to equip your leaders and volunteers with clarity and confidence should such a situation arise, grounding their response in compassion, legality, and our Wesleyan commitment to care for vulnerable neighbors.”