JD Vance's Claims About Haitian Migrants in Springfield, Ohio: A Look Back

Vance alleged that these migrants were responsible for criminal activities, including an outrageous claim that they were stealing and eating people's pets.

Soon after Vance's claims, Former President Donald Trump doubled down on these allegations during a presidential debate on September 10, 2024:

Trump said this live: "In Springfield, they are eating dogs, they're eating the cats, they're eating the pets of people who live there," telling the American people that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were eating people's pets.

The local authorities in Springfield wasted no time responding. The Springfield Police Department made it clear that they had no reports of such incidents. City officials also pointed out that Haitian migrants in the area were there legally under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Despite the facts, Vance's statement spread like wildfire, and soon, it wasn't just him making the claims.

Vance's claims had no factual basis but that didn't stop it from stirring up controversy across the nation.

The damage was done. Springfield found itself in the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

The city received multiple bomb threats, schools had to shut down, and municipal buildings were evacuated. The Haitian community in Springfield suddenly found itself under attack, facing harassment and fear fueled by baseless accusations.

As the dust settled, many pointed fingers at Vance and Trump for spreading misinformation and inciting unnecessary panic.

Critics argued that instead of focusing on real issues facing Springfield, these politicians were using fearmongering tactics to score political points.

Fast forward to November 5th 2024, elections were held in the United States former Republican President Donald Trump defeated the incumbent Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and became President of the United States for a his second term. JD Vance became Vice President.

"Rete Branche," like Haitians like to say.

Read more: Haiti News Updates

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