Trump Pledges Mass Deportations of Haitian Immigrants in Springfield Amid Social Media Controversy
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has vowed to carry out large-scale deportations of Haitian immigrants from Springfield, Ohio, just days after President Joe Biden called for an end to attacks on the community. The city has found itself at the center of social media controversy after right-wing groups were accused of spreading false claims that Haitian arrivals were eating household pets.
Trump’s Deportation Pledge
At a press conference held at his golf resort near Los Angeles, Trump promised, “We will do large deportations in Springfield, Ohio.” Although he refrained from repeating the contentious remarks made during Tuesday’s presidential debate—where he alleged that immigrants were eating cats and dogs—those comments have already drawn widespread ridicule. The majority of the 15,000 Haitian residents in Springfield are legally present in the country. However, Trump’s call for mass deportations typically targets undocumented immigrants.
Schools Evacuated Following Bomb Threats
Tensions in the city have escalated dangerously. Two elementary schools were evacuated, and a middle school was closed on Friday after a second consecutive day of anonymous bomb threats against the Haitian community, according to ABC News. These threats, which have fueled panic, follow closely after Trump’s inflammatory comments.
Biden Calls for Peace, Denounces Attacks
At the White House, President Joe Biden condemned the hostility directed at Springfield’s Haitian population, urging that the attacks stop immediately. “It’s simply wrong. There’s no place in America for this. It has to stop—what he’s doing has to stop,” Biden said, referencing Trump’s rhetoric.
Economic Impact and Rising Tensions
While Springfield has seen economic benefits from the influx of Haitian immigrants, the increase in population has also placed a strain on the city’s social services. Trump has cited the tensions in Springfield as further justification for his hardline immigration policies.
Haitian Leaders Sound the Alarm
Haitian community leaders across the U.S. have expressed concerns that Trump’s statements could incite further violence and division in Springfield. “We need help, not hate,” Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said in response to Trump’s remarks. Rue emphasized the need for calm and cooperation in the city, noting the significant economic contributions made by the Haitian community. Immigrants at the center of the controversy have expressed fear and concern over escalating tensions and the potential impact of Trump’s deportation pledge.
City Officials Address Rumors
City spokesperson Karen Graves confirmed that no credible reports have surfaced regarding Haitians eating household pets. Graves added that while some Haitian residents have been targeted by “crimes of opportunity,” such as property theft, there were no recent hate crimes directly tied to the controversy.
As tensions continue to rise, both local and national leaders are calling for unity and restraint, hoping to prevent further unrest in Springfield and to work towards a peaceful resolution.