Additional Coverage:
- Haitians, residents in Springfield, Ohio, respond to being at center of immigration debate (newsbreak.com)
**Springfield, Ohio in Political Controversy Over Immigration Claims**
**SPRINGFIELD, Ohio** — The city of Springfield is embroiled in a contentious debate over immigration following unsubstantiated claims by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance. Both politicians made assertions that Haitian immigrants are responsible for local crime and even eating pets, despite lacking evidence.
During a presidential debate on Tuesday, Trump stated, “In Springfield, they are eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there.”
On social media, Vance echoed similar sentiments, admitting, “It’s possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false,” but he continued to share these claims on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield who’ve said Haitian migrants abducted their neighbors’ pets or local wildlife,” Vance wrote in a post.
Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck, however, refuted these allegations. In an official statement from his office, Heck confirmed that there is no evidence that Haitian immigrants have harmed or consumed any pets.
Springfield, located about 50 miles west of Columbus, is home to approximately 58,000 residents and is currently facing a significant housing crisis, Heck noted. The city’s Haitian population has grown to an estimated 15,000-20,000 in recent years, fueling local tensions.
Recent events such as a tragic school bus crash killing an 11-year-old, rumors about pets and wildlife, and at least $2.5 million in state funding, have escalated the situation. Dozens of residents crowded into a Springfield City Commission meeting Tuesday night to voice their concerns.
The USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau conducted interviews with both Haitian immigrants and other Springfield residents about the city’s rapid growth.
**Haitian Perspectives in Springfield**
Nineteen-year-old Alimemby Estimable, who graduated from Springfield High School and works at an Amazon warehouse, moved to Springfield four years ago. He recounted being labeled a “dirty Haitian” and an “illegal.”
Estimable dismissed the rumors about Haitians being sent to the city, emphasizing that those in Springfield are there legally under a federal temporary protected status program. “The majority of us work in warehouses, factories.
You can’t work there illegally. Obviously, we’re legally working,” he stated.
Morvens Pierre, another Haitian immigrant in Springfield, concurred, saying Haitians just want to work and lead normal lives. Estimable remarked on the wild claims about Haitians in the city, stating, “I’ve seen a lot of people talking about a lot of stuff that’s not accurate… I’m just keeping it real because I’m a Haitian myself.”
**Views from Other Springfield Residents**
Opinions among other Springfield residents are divided. Some believe the Haitian population should be more evenly distributed across Ohio counties, while others think Haitians are being unfairly blamed for broader issues.
Teena Rose expressed negative feelings about the increased Haitian population, citing pre-existing struggles with housing and homelessness that have worsened. John Vick, a long-time resident, agreed, noting increased difficulty in accessing groceries and county services.
Deandrea Robinson highlighted the need to address racism in the city, pointing out recent activities by a hate group parading with swastika flags and rifles. “They see me standing next to a Haitian, and that’s too many Black faces for them,” she said.
Joe Ruck, co-owner of Champion City Cuts Barber Shop, observed that the city’s south side is now known as “Little Haiti.” He noted that Haitian immigrants are taking up jobs and living in houses that were previously unwanted.
“Someone’s cat comes up missing? They gonna say the Haitians did it,” Ruck remarked.
**Clark County Public Library’s Adaptation**
The Southgate branch of the Clark County Public Library has implemented resources to support its Haitian patrons. Branch Manager Tangee Hepp explained that the library now has Haitian-English dictionaries, a French language section, and a full-time interpreter to assist.
Hepp participates in monthly Haitian Coalition meetings and is considering additional programming to better serve the community. “Everyone deserves respect and dignity…
Just treat everyone with respect and give them time. They’re just trying to make a life for themselves,” she said.
*Erin Glynn reports for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which includes the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal, and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.*