Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has vowed to carry out mass deportations of Haitian immigrants from Springfield, Ohio, if elected, despite most of them being legally in the U.S. The city has been embroiled in controversy following false claims on social media that Haitians were eating pets.
Speaking at a press conference, Trump reiterated his plan to deport Haitians, although most of the 15,000 Haitians in Springfield have legal status. He did not repeat his previous controversial claims about immigrants eating pets, which were widely criticized.
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The city of Springfield has faced disruptions, including school evacuations due to anonymous bomb threats.
President Joe Biden has condemned the attacks on the Haitian community and urged them to stop. The Biden administration has granted Temporary Protected Status to many Haitians, providing protection from deportation and work permits amidst the ongoing crisis in Haiti.
Trump’s remarks have been criticized for potentially inciting further hostility towards the Haitian community. Local officials and Haitian leaders have urged for support rather than hate, with Springfield’s mayor and city spokesperson emphasizing the lack of credible reports on the alleged claims.
