JD Vance Defends Debunked Claims About Immigrants, Cites “Terrible Tragedy” in Springfield, Ohio
Sen. JD Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, on Sunday defended his amplification of debunked claims surrounding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Despite local leaders and law enforcement refuting these allegations, Vance stood firm, refusing to correct the record even as threats to the community have recently emerged.
“You can condemn violence, on the one hand, while also saying that there have been terrible problems caused by Kamala Harris’ open border in Springfield,” Vance said during an interview on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.
Proud Boys March and Media Distractions
When asked about the presence of the Proud Boys, a far-right group that marched through Springfield on Saturday, Vance distanced himself from their views but argued that the focus on the march distracts from more pressing community issues.
“I am much more concerned about the United States vice president failing to do her job than I am that a dozen people carried the wrong flag when they were marching in Springfield, Ohio, yesterday,” Vance remarked.
Baseless Claims About Immigrants and Pets
Vance continued to promote claims about immigrants eating pets despite repeated denials from local officials. He stated that he’d heard “about a dozen things” from constituents, claiming that 10 of them are verifiable, though no evidence has been presented to support these assertions.
Springfield’s police chief, mayor, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a fellow Republican, dismissed these claims. Gov. DeWine acknowledged that while no credible reports of stolen or eaten pets exist, the influx of 15,000 immigrants into a city of 60,000 has strained the healthcare system.
Blame on Kamala Harris and Immigration Policies
Vance placed the blame squarely on Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing her of allowing the immigration situation to spiral out of control. He argued that the rapid growth of the immigrant population in Springfield has overwhelmed local resources, calling the strain on healthcare and education systems a “tragedy.”
“We’re not mad at Haitian migrants for wanting a better life,” Vance stated. “We’re angry at Kamala Harris for letting this happen to a small Ohio town. And thank God Donald Trump has called attention to it and would fight back against these policies if the American people reward him with the presidency.”
Vance inaccurately claimed that former President Trump extended Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in 2017 before ending it in 2018. In reality, the status, first established in 2010, was extended multiple times, including during Trump’s tenure after a court blocked his attempt to end it.
Continuing to Spread Unfounded Allegations
Despite repeated debunking of the claims about immigrants eating pets, Vance reiterated the baseless allegations, responding on social media to a video that alleged similar activity in Dayton, Ohio. He accused Vice President Harris and the media of ignoring the issue, saying, “Another ‘debunked’ story that turned out to have merit.”
Dayton’s police department swiftly dismissed the claims, labeling them “outlandish.” Nonetheless, Vance insisted that he was simply representing the concerns of his constituents.
“Everybody who has dealt with a large influx of migration knows that sometimes there are cultural practices that seem very far out there to many Americans,” Vance said. “Are we not allowed to talk about this in the United States of America?”
Community Reaction and Ongoing Tensions
Vance’s comments come as tensions continue to rise in Springfield. Bomb threats have been made against schools and hospitals in the area, leading to lockdowns and evacuations. Despite these challenges, the community has shown resilience. While Vance condemned the threats of violence, he maintained that discussions about immigration-related issues should not be silenced due to intimidation.
“We don’t believe in a heckler’s veto in this country,” he stated, emphasizing that those responsible for the threats should face prosecution.
As the debate over immigration policies and the handling of Haitian migrants intensifies, Vance’s rhetoric has drawn national attention and further polarized the political landscape. His stance underscores the importance of maintaining open dialogue, even amid heated debates and misinformation.