Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been deployed to Springfield, OH. This aligns with Haitian residents’ Temporary Protected Status (TPS) expired on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Agents are expected to remain in Springfield until at least March 3.
Back in March 2025, President Donald Trump made a statement about the people in Springfield, which has since been debunked by the town city manager.
“In Springfield, they are eating the dogs. The people that came in, they are eating the cats. They’re eating– they are eating the pets of the people that live there,” Trump said.
Springfield has recently drawn national attention again with the presence of ICE. Federal enforcement efforts are now focused on addressing individuals who no longer have legal authorization to remain in the United States.
Impact on WSU students
Many students have been feeling very uneasy with the presence of ICE so close to the Wright State University (WSU) campus.
Eric Corbitt, the Dean of Students at WSU, spoke on what the university’s policies are regarding ICE and immigration.
“It is important to understand that state law generally directs a public university to remain neutral on any 'controversial belief or policy’ including ‘immigration policy,’” Corbitt said. “[WSU] intends to comply with this law and does not plan to take a position on the issue of immigration enforcement actions.”
Since WSU is a public university, ICE agents are legally allowed on campus, when engaging in official business. If any incidents were to occur, a campus official from the WSU Department of Public Safety will coordinate their response with law enforcement.
Students here on travel visas are encouraged to carry their documentation with them and to stay in regular contact with the University Center for International Education (UCIE) to ensure their documentation remains in effect.
WSU will only share a student’s information with law enforcement if legally required. The school follows the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).
Michelle Streeter-Ferrari, the Associate Vice President of the UCIE, spoke about what the goal of the organization and the university is.
“The university, including UCIE, is focused on fostering a safe learning environment, protecting student privacy consistent with [FERPA], and ensuring that any law enforcement presence on campus follows established legal protocols,” Streeter-Ferrari said.
There are also mental health services, like the Counseling and Wellness Services, which are open to all students that may be feeling anxious or want to talk to someone.
Students who choose to protest may do so; however, there are specific rules for it, when it is done on campus. See WSU’s demonstration policy for more information.
“[WSU] remains dedicated to maintaining a campus climate rooted in belonging, respect and lawful process,” Corbitt said. “Students with concerns are encouraged to reach out directly to deanofstudents@wright.edu to ensure they are receiving accurate information; individualized support and reassurance grounded in policy and care.”
