Haiti’s Top Official Expresses Gratitude for American Support of Migrants in Springfield, Ohio, According to Reuters

By Michelle Nichols and Kylie Madry

UNITED NATIONS – Edgard Leblanc, the head of Haiti’s transition council, expressed gratitude to the United States for its support of Haitian migrants during his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. He specifically acknowledged the solidarity shown by residents in Springfield, Ohio.

Springfield has become a focal point in the U.S. presidential election due to unfounded claims made by Republican candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, U.S. Senator JD Vance, accusing migrants in the area of inhumane acts involving animals.

"I wish to extend a brotherly greeting to all those who have demonstrated solidarity toward Haitian migrants, particularly those residing in Springfield," Leblanc stated.

City and state officials have consistently refuted the false allegations regarding Haitians in Springfield. However, Trump has remained steadfast in his statements, asserting that he would seek to deport members of the community if he is reelected. Most of the 15,000 Haitian Americans in Springfield have legal status in the U.S. The town has recently experienced a rise in bomb threats targeting schools and other facilities in response to these claims.

The U.S. Congressional Progressive Caucus, led by Representative Pramila Jayapal, condemned what they called "vile and dehumanizing rhetoric" directed at Haitian migrants, emphasizing that such language has created real dangers for these families and their communities.

Leblanc, while not specifically naming Trump or Vance, cautioned against letting "the passions that naturally arise during an election campaign" breed xenophobia or racism in the United States.

FORMAL PEACEKEEPING MISSION POSSIBLE

As the head of Haiti’s transition council, which was established in April to restore security in the violence-stricken nation, Leblanc addressed the ongoing issues of gang violence that have left over 700,000 people displaced, according to U.N. estimates.

He called on the Security Council to consider converting a current security mission, initiated by Kenya in June, into a formal peacekeeping mission as its mandate approaches expiration at the end of the month. "This transformation would enable more stable funding, enhance the mission’s capacity, and strengthen member states’ commitment to security in Haiti," he stated.

The Security Council is expected to vote on the renewal of the mandate soon. There is considerable skepticism among Haitians regarding an armed U.N. presence, given past missions that resulted in a cholera epidemic and allegations of sexual abuse.

"I am convinced that this change of status, while acknowledging that past mistakes cannot be repeated, would ensure the mission’s full success in Haiti," Leblanc added.

Earlier that day, Kenyan President William Ruto announced that his country would be sending additional police officers to Haiti, aiming to increase the total to 2,500 by January.