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Haitian immigrants in Ohio feel threatened

2024-09-21 22:40:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

During the presidential election campaign, Republican candidates have spread the claim that immigrants in the state of Ohio are eating the residents' cats and dogs. But, as Voice of America correspondent Scott Stearns reports, this has brought security risks and further divisions in this election where immigration is a central theme of the electoral campaign.

Police in Ohio are checking classrooms at schools and continuing to maintain vigilance around buildings after dozens of threats of violence. These measures were taken after false claims that Haitian immigrants in the city of Springfield are eating residents' pets.

"We're not used to this kind of situation in American society, that Haitians are attacked for something they didn't do," says Pastor Dor, of the First Haitian Evangelical Church in the city of Springfield.

These claims were made online and during campaign speeches by presidential candidate Donald Trump and vice presidential candidate Ohio Senator JD Vance.

Former President Trump said Haitian immigrants in Springfield are eating residents' cats and dogs.

"I can tell you this. We're going to do massive deportations from Springfield, Ohio. Large deportations. We will remove these people," said former President Trump.

While local and Ohio state officials say there are no credible reports of anyone eating pets, Vance told NBC News that he heard about it from voters.

"I don't repeat them because I invented them myself. I repeat them because the voters in my district are saying that these things are happening," said Mr. Vance.

Over 15,000 Haitian immigrants have come legally to the city of Springfield, population 60,000, generally because of the employment opportunities and cheap cost of living.

Immigrant Clio Paraison told VOA that because of this situation, she stays inside more.

"I saw it online. People talking about how Haitians behave badly. But there is clearly no evidence. Anyway, I didn't walk around town," he says.

Former President Trump's rival in this election, Vice President Kamala Harris, says that what is happening in Springfield is shameful.

"The resources of law enforcement agencies are being used for this, because these serious threats are being made against a community that was leading a productive, good life before this. And with lies based on outdated hearsay," said Vice President Harris.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue says the politicians who put this city in the national political spotlight need to help restore calm.

"We would like those who are on the national stage to be able to bring peace, soften their words and speak the truth. These are what Springfield is looking for. We need peace," said Mayor Rue.

Former President Trump and Senator Vance say they will visit the city of Springfield to see closely what is happening there./ VOA