TPS end for Haitians empties Maryland church and triggers deportation fears

The Word of Life Center in Salisbury, Maryland, saw its Sunday service attendance drop by more than half after the U.S. ended Temporary Protected Status for Haitians. The church, a hub for the local Haitian community, cancelled events including a bridal shower and English-language classes. Roosevelt Toussaint, the senior pastor, said the congregation normally draws over 500 people, but fear of deportation kept many at home.

Roughly 350,000 Haitians in the U.S. lost TPS protections, which had allowed them to live and work legally. The Department of Homeland Security stated that TPS is temporary and not intended as amnesty. On 27 July 2026, work permits were not extended, leaving many without legal employment. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has called Haitians in for ankle monitors and restricted their travel to 75 miles from home, as reported by Washington Top News.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on 25 June 2026 that the government could end TPS, overturning lower-court challenges. The decision triggered confusion over enforcement timelines. In Salisbury, about 10% of the 33,000 residents are Haitian, many working in poultry plants, farms, and caregiving roles. Some have been arrested in public places like grocery store parking lots, according to advocates.

What the coverage left out

No right-rated outlet ran the story, according to the reports printed below. None of the centre-rated digests mentioned the Department of Homeland Security’s statement that TPS is temporary and not intended as amnesty. Only Washington Top News, whose full report is printed above, carried the Supreme Court’s 25 June ruling, the number of Haitians affected, and ICE’s use of ankle monitors and travel restrictions.

“We’re expecting you to have compassion for our people. They haven’t done anything wrong. All they came to this country to do is to work, to make a difference in our economy.”