TikTokers came to Springfield looking for ICE. Then the child trafficking rumors began.

February 12, 2026

Springfield, Ohio narrowly avoided an ICE raid targeting its substantial Haitian population after a federal judge intervened, but the city now faces a new threat from viral misinformation campaigns on social media. Self-described pro-immigrant TikTok creators have falsely accused local faith groups and community organizations helping Haitians of child trafficking and withholding aid, echoing the "Pizzagate" conspiracy theory from 2016. Pastor Carl Ruby and other community leaders assisting immigrants have received threatening calls and harassment after creators shared their information online, prompting FBI involvement.

Who is affected

Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio (approximately 15,000 people, nearly a quarter of the city's population)
Pastor Carl Ruby and his church congregation that welcomed Haitian members
Faith-based coalition leaders protecting immigrant neighbors
Springfield residents (city of approximately 60,000 people)
Community groups and churches providing assistance to Haitians
Springfield students and downtown businesses (affected by closures)

What action is being taken

Pastor Carl Ruby is speaking with local police, the Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI about the threats
Federal authorities are investigating the role of "rogue content creators" in amplifying threats
Springfield schools and downtown streets have closed due to security threats
Community leaders continue standing with and protecting Haitian residents despite harassment

Why it matters

This situation demonstrates how social media misinformation can cause real-world harm and destabilize entire communities, even without actual immigration enforcement taking place. The false accusations of child trafficking against community helpers mirror dangerous conspiracy theories like "Pizzagate" that previously led to violence, showing how such narratives can rapidly spread and evolve online. The incident highlights the vulnerability of both immigrant communities and those who support them to coordinated online harassment campaigns, with potential implications for cities nationwide facing similar immigration-related tensions.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th