Recently, allegations that Haitian immigrants have been stealing and eating animals such as geese, ducks, cats, and other animals have been coming out of Springfield, Ohio. The issue got more attention after former Pres. Donald Trump mentioned the situation in multiple venues, including the debate stage. Despite the reports about such acts, this situation has been debunked. But the big question is, how did we even get to this point?
Springfield is located in Clark County, Ohio, and was at once a key industrial city. Because of deindustrialization, the city experienced twin population and GDP declines. But there was an increase of immigrants from the nation of Haiti that arrived in Springfield starting in 2018. Many fled Haiti for reasons such as gang violence, poverty, and degradation. Springfield, ended up one of the largest attractions because of job opportunities, compliant services, cheap homes, and family members calling their loved ones to migrate. A lack of resources within Springfield has made it harder to sustain the large influx of migrants. As seen many times historically, a big influx of anti-immigration sentiment has sparked among residents of Springfield. And so the rumors started.
The rumor about animals being stolen and eaten by Haitian immigrants began when a resident named Erika Lee posted about it on Facebook. She said she believed her Haitian neighbors were responsible for a cat going missing. However, her information was third or fourth-hand. She was wrong. Various other posts about Haitian immigrants trying to eat city pets are also unrelated to Springfield. Despite the fact checking, various conservative commentators and politicians such as Charlie Kirk and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reposted the stories anyway, which eventually led to Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance picking up on the story. This despite various city officials – including the mayor Rob Rue – saying they have found no evidence of such actions.
During the Sept. 10 presidential debate, Trump mentioned the false rumor. Trump has since continued to spread the lie despite city officials continuing to say there is no evidence of Haitian immigrants stealing or eating animals. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine also said that the officials of Springfield should be believed amid the rumors. Since the debate, the rumors have turned into calls for violence as bomb threats have been reported at Springfield’s City Hall, as well as two elementary schools. Mayor Rob Rue has since put the blame on those who have continued to spread the false rumors which would include former President Trump. Some Haitian residents of Springfield are fearing for their lives as a result.
Trump has also called for mass deportations of these immigrants despite that they are in the United States on Temporary Protected Status. Despite the repeated fact checking within Springfield, many Republican politicians and activists have continued to push this rhetoric which could be putting many lives in danger. Hospitals within Springfield are now receiving threats over the misinformation. People are going to get hurt if this continues to happen, and people need to also listen the first time that someone makes something very clear. In this case it’s that no migrants are stealing and eating animals in Springfield. But many continue to spread this lie, as if they’re simply ignorant. At some point, a lesson must be learned amongst all Americans that false rhetoric can ruin people’s lives, and we are seeing that right now in Springfield.
