As ICE closes in, Ohio churches line up families to care for Haitian kids left behind

Among pro-immigrant organizers, faith leaders and volunteers, active Signal and WhatsApp chats have become part of the new normal as they respond to evolving ICE tactics. Springfield Neighbors United, a local nonprofit that, though not faith-based, is run by volunteers with many religious beliefs, has coordinated food and diaper drives, hygiene bags and rides for Haitians going to immigration court. They’ve teamed up with St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic nonprofit, to fill out passports for newborns and children who are U.S. citizens. The groups are also helping Haitians assign power of attorney to U.S. citizens in case they are separated from their children. Now, they’re starting a program to support families left behind after a loved one is detained.

“I think spiritually and morally, I mean, we have to respond,” said Norm Horstman, who, along with his wife, Lou Ann, is a retired cradle Catholic “in exile” from the church over its stance on LGBTQ+ issues. The couple has been heavily involved with Springfield Neighbors United since 2024. “We don’t have a choice.”