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Once again we see the right wing race hustle being employed. This time it's on Haitians.
This comes from VP candidate J.D. Vance
There is no evidence Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are stealing, eating pets
The city of Springfield and its police department say there is no evidence to support the viral anti-immigrant claim.
The town of Springfield, Ohio, has recently been at the center of the immigration debate, with high-profile Republican social media accounts like Donald Trump’s campaign and vice presidential candidate JD Vance claiming Haitian immigrants have caused disruptions in the city and committed illegal acts, including harming and eating animals.
A press release from Donald Trump’s campaign claims “migrants have reportedly been caught 'decapitating ducks' and hunting geese and other livestock in public parks — and even kidnapping residents’ pets — then eating them.”
“Haitian illegal immigrants” are “generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio,” a Sept. 9 X post from vice presidential candidate and Ohio Sen. JD Vance says.
“Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country,” Vance’s post reads.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz shared a meme of cats hugging with text on top of the image that says, “Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants don’t eat us.”
VERIFY readers James and John reached out to ask what’s happening in Springfield, Ohio. Here is what we can VERIFY.
“In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community,” Karen Graves, a spokesperson with the City of Springfield told VERIFY.
“Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents’ homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic,” Graves said.
www.wnep.com
This comes from VP candidate J.D. Vance
There is no evidence Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are stealing, eating pets
The city of Springfield and its police department say there is no evidence to support the viral anti-immigrant claim.
The town of Springfield, Ohio, has recently been at the center of the immigration debate, with high-profile Republican social media accounts like Donald Trump’s campaign and vice presidential candidate JD Vance claiming Haitian immigrants have caused disruptions in the city and committed illegal acts, including harming and eating animals.
A press release from Donald Trump’s campaign claims “migrants have reportedly been caught 'decapitating ducks' and hunting geese and other livestock in public parks — and even kidnapping residents’ pets — then eating them.”
“Haitian illegal immigrants” are “generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio,” a Sept. 9 X post from vice presidential candidate and Ohio Sen. JD Vance says.
“Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country,” Vance’s post reads.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz shared a meme of cats hugging with text on top of the image that says, “Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants don’t eat us.”
VERIFY readers James and John reached out to ask what’s happening in Springfield, Ohio. Here is what we can VERIFY.
THE SOURCES
- Karen Graves, a spokesperson with the City of Springfield, Ohio
- Sept. 9 report from the Springfield News-Sun
- City of Springfield Aug. 27 commission meeting
- City of Springfield immigration FAQ
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Leann Castillo, executive director for the Clark County Park District, statement to the New York Times
WHAT WE FOUND
There is no evidence to support the viral claims that members of the Haitian immigrant community in Springfield, Ohio, have harmed or eaten wildlife or pets, according to city officials.“In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community,” Karen Graves, a spokesperson with the City of Springfield told VERIFY.
“Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents’ homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic,” Graves said.
There is no evidence Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are stealing, eating pets
The city of Springfield and its police department say there is no evidence to support the viral anti-immigrant claim.
www.wnep.com
