Ohio Governor Responds to Migrant Influx in Springfield with Law Enforcement and Funding

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) is taking swift action in response to the overwhelming influx of 20,000 Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio. After residents voiced their concerns over public safety and healthcare delays, DeWine announced plans to send state troopers and allocate $2.5 million in funding to help alleviate the growing strain on the community.

DeWine’s response comes after national attention was drawn to the issue, with local residents reporting an increase in reckless driving and long waits for medical care. “I want the people of Springfield and Clark County to know that as we move forward, we will continue to do everything we can to help the community deal with this surge of migrants,” DeWine said on Tuesday. He also criticized the federal government’s lack of a cohesive plan, adding, “We will not walk away.”

To address the rise in dangerous driving, particularly by inexperienced drivers among the migrant population, DeWine ordered the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) to assist local law enforcement. Starting Thursday, OSHP troopers will patrol roads with the highest crash rates, targeting reckless drivers. According to a press release from DeWine’s office, traffic enforcement will be ramped up to ensure the safety of Springfield’s roads.

Key actions announced by Governor DeWine:

• Deployment of state troopers to assist with traffic enforcement and curb reckless driving.

• Allocation of $2.5 million to support healthcare services strained by the migrant population, including translation services and vaccinations for migrants who have had little to no prior medical care.

In addition to public safety concerns, healthcare services have been stretched thin. The surge in patients has led to longer wait times, and the need for translation services has increased. Migrants from Haiti, many of whom have had limited access to healthcare before arriving in the U.S., are requiring medical attention, including basic vaccinations.

The federal government's decision to grant temporary legal status to 300,000 Haitians, including many in Springfield, has also intensified local tensions. The Biden-Harris administration’s move allows these migrants to live and work in the U.S. until at least February 2026, but Ohio officials are pushing back. Republican Attorney General Dave Yost has directed his office to explore legal options to prevent the federal government from sending unlimited numbers of migrants to Ohio communities.

Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck explained that affordable housing and job opportunities in the manufacturing sector attracted the influx of migrants. For some time, Springfield had been struggling economically but experienced a revival thanks to manufacturing growth. However, many residents have voiced concerns about the impact of these migrants on their community, with reports of buses dropping off groups of Haitians at gas stations and laundromats.

Governor DeWine’s actions signal a robust response to a situation that has left many Springfield residents feeling overwhelmed, as the state steps in where the federal government has seemingly failed.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on immigration and state responses.