Haitian Americans Fear for Their Safety as Trump Repeats False Claims About Immigrants

Haitian Americans Express Concerns Over Safety Following Controversial Remarks by Trump

Haitian Americans are increasingly worried for their safety after Donald Trump reiterated a false and derogatory statement about immigrants during a recent presidential debate. Community leaders from the Haitian diaspora voiced their concerns over Trump’s comments regarding immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, suggesting they could endanger lives and fuel existing tensions in the area.

During the debate with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump made the alarming claim that immigrants were "eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats." This remark follows similar false assertions made by his running mate, U.S. Senator JD Vance, on social media regarding the new Haitian arrivals in the city.

Local officials have dismissed these claims, stating there have been no credible reports of animal consumption among residents. However, the discourse has heightened anxiety among the Haitian community, with some families reportedly keeping their children home from school due to fear of bullying and other forms of harassment linked to escalating racist rhetoric.

In recent years, approximately 15,000 Haitians have migrated to Springfield, contributing significantly to the local economy but also straining public resources like schools and health clinics. The situation became more fraught following a tragic incident in 2023, when a Haitian driver without an Ohio license collided with a school bus, resulting in the death of an 11-year-old boy and injuring 26 others.

At a recent city council meeting, resident Richard Jordan expressed concern over rising tensions, stating, "People are getting really fed up… things are going to get ugly." Nathan Clark, the father of the deceased boy, condemned Trump and Vance for using his son’s death to amplify their narratives about immigrants.

Ahead of the debate, the false narrative was further perpetuated on social media, prompting advocates like Guerline Jozef of the Haitian Bridge Alliance to work against the spreading rumor. Jozef recounted her dismay upon hearing Trump’s words, noting that the falsehood had gained traction across the country.

Among the Haitian American community, which numbers approximately 1.1 million – with nearly half being immigrants – there are heightened concerns fueled by past experiences of discrimination and bullying. Many Haitian individuals have relocated to states like North Carolina and California for job opportunities.

Springfield officials note that most Haitian migrants are legally in the U.S. and are primarily drawn to local employment in warehouses and factories. In response to challenges posed by the recent influx of immigrants, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced funding to support new residents in accessing healthcare services.

Political analysts suggest that Trump’s divisive comments may resonate with certain voter bases, particularly those feeling disenfranchised. However, community leaders caution that such rhetoric risks inciting violence and fostering hostility. Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has echoed these concerns, stating that harmful stereotypes about Haitians and Black immigrants have long persisted, endangering their safety.

Gepsie Metellus from a Haitian neighborhood center in North Miami criticized Trump’s remarks as a "cheap political shot," emphasizing that such language can have serious repercussions for the community’s safety. She warned that divisive rhetoric can lead to dire consequences.