Haitian Americans are expressing growing safety concerns following former President Donald Trump’s false and derogatory statements about Haitian immigrants during a recent presidential debate. Trump claimed that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were eating household pets, sparking alarm within the Haitian community.
In Springfield, Ohio, where a large number of Haitian immigrants have settled, community leaders report heightened fears and threats in response to Trump’s rhetoric. Viles Dorsainvil, who runs a local Haitian community center, has received threatening phone calls, and some community members are considering leaving due to the increased hostility.
Trump’s claims were echoed by his running mate, US Senator JD Vance, who had previously made similar unfounded statements on social media. Springfield city officials have debunked these claims, stating that there have been no credible reports of such behavior. Karen Graves, a city spokesperson, noted that while there have been instances of petty crime, no hate crimes have been reported.
The Haitian community in Springfield has faced increased bullying and intimidation, with local media reporting that some Haitian families are keeping their children home from school due to fear.
The situation has been exacerbated since a 2023 incident involving a Haitian driver in a fatal school bus accident. Nathan Clark, whose son died in the crash, criticized Trump and Vance for exploiting his son’s death to spread fear about immigration.
The controversy comes at a time when Springfield’s Haitian immigrant population of approximately 15,000 has contributed positively to the local economy but has also strained local resources. Despite facing challenges, Haitian immigrants have established businesses and joined the local workforce.
Trump’s inflammatory comments, amplified by social media and political allies, have been widely condemned. Guerline Jozef, head of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, warned that such false claims pose a nationwide threat to the Haitian community and could incite real-world violence.
City officials and police continue to refute the claims, emphasizing there is no evidence of wrongdoing by the Haitian community, while local Haitian Americans strive to integrate into Springfield’s economy and society amid ongoing tensions.
