Donald Trump and his vice-presidential running mate continue to make derogatory comments about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, despite local officials debunking the false claims. Trump announced during a news conference in California that there would be large deportations from Springfield and suggested that Haitian immigrants were ruining the way of life in the city.
Despite Ohio authorities confirming no credible evidence to support the allegations spread by Trump and his running mate about Haitian immigrants eating domestic pets and birds in public parks, the claims persist. This rhetoric has led to bomb threats targeting city agencies and school evacuations, prompting Springfield Mayor Rob Rue to call for a halt to the anti-immigrant language from politicians as it was causing harm to the city.
President Joe Biden criticized the Republicans’ comments, stating that the Haitian community is under attack and demanding an end to the harmful rhetoric. Meanwhile, Trump insisted that local officials were downplaying the severity of the issue, emphasizing the perceived threat of immigration at the Southern border and claiming that the people of Ohio are frightened.
The situation in Springfield began with right-wing social media posts that were amplified by Trump’s supporters, including Ohio Sen. JD Vance, who made unfounded claims about rising crime rates and other issues in the city. The Haitian population in Springfield has been growing, with an estimated 15,000 immigrants in the county, legally residing in the U.S. under a temporary federal program.
Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, pledged additional law enforcement and healthcare resources to Springfield, refuting the baseless claims made by Trump and his allies. DeWine emphasized that the Haitian immigrants in Ohio are hardworking individuals seeking safety and job opportunities, and he criticized the spread of misinformation on the internet.
Amidst the controversy, the father of a boy killed by a Haitian immigrant driver last year pleaded with politicians to refrain from using his son’s tragedy for political gain. Democrats have also responded to the situation, with the Democratic National Committee using the issue as a fundraising opportunity and condemning the chaotic narrative pushed by Trump and his supporters.
