Donald Trump pledges to deport Haitians in Ohio
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday made a controversial pledge to conduct mass deportations of Haitian immigrants from Springfield, Ohio.
This statement comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions and misinformation regarding the Haitian community in that area.
The city of Springfield has been at the center of social media discussions fueled by false claims suggesting that Haitian immigrants were engaging in bizarre behaviors, such as eating household pets.
These unfounded allegations have sparked significant backlash and concern among local residents and officials. Despite these claims, city officials have stated that there are no credible reports supporting such assertions.
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It is important to note that the majority of the approximately 15,000 Haitians residing in Springfield are legally present in the United States.
Trump’s comments about deportation typically target individuals who are undocumented; however, his rhetoric has raised alarms among community leaders who fear it could incite violence or discrimination against legal residents.
President Biden’s response
President Joe Biden responded to Trump’s remarks by condemning the attacks on the Haitian community, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable in America. He highlighted the need for compassion rather than hostility towards immigrants. Local leaders, including Springfield’s mayor Rob Rue, echoed this sentiment by calling for support rather than hate towards their Haitian neighbors.
The inflammatory nature of Trump’s statements has already had tangible effects on the community. Following threats made against schools in Springfield—some reportedly linked to anti-Haitian sentiments—two elementary schools were evacuated and one middle school was closed due to bomb threats. This escalation underscores the potential dangers posed by inflammatory political rhetoric.
