Springfield, Ohio (US) — Officials in Springfield have firmly dismissed viral social media claims alleging that Haitian immigrants in the city are abducting and eating pets. These claims, initially spread through a Facebook post and later amplified by Republican figures, including JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, have gained significant traction online, despite a lack of credible evidence.
No Credible Reports of Pet Abductions, Says Springfield Officials
As of Monday, Springfield authorities confirmed that they have not received any credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by members of the immigrant community. "There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed by migrants", stated Karen Graves, the city’s Strategic Engagement Manager. This assertion contradicts the widely circulated claims suggesting that Haitian migrants have been involved in such activities.
These allegations began circulating on social media, particularly on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter), where JD Vance's post alone garnered over 7.5 million views. Vance's claim alleged that "people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country". The claim was quickly echoed by other prominent figures, including Senator Ted Cruz and tech giant Elon Musk. Cruz even shared a meme on X, warning of potential threats to pets.
Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 9, 2024
Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country. Where is our border czar? pic.twitter.com/rf0EDIeI5i
Unfounded Claims Gain Political Momentum
The source of these allegations appears to be a post from a private Springfield Facebook group, where a user claimed a neighbor’s daughter's friend found a cat hanging from a tree near a Haitian neighbor’s house. The Springfield News-Sun reported that screenshots of the post spread across multiple platforms, accumulating thousands of views and reactions. However, CBS News and other media outlets have been unable to verify the authenticity of the post, and local police maintain that there is no evidence to support these claims.
Despite this lack of evidence, the claims have been politically amplified. Vance, who has previously criticized immigration policies, used these unverified reports to target Vice President Kamala Harris, labeling her as the "border czar" responsible for the influx of Haitian immigrants under the Biden-Harris administration. The Trump campaign joined this narrative, portraying the influx of migrants as an outcome of the administration's policies and accusing them of allowing “unvetted” migrants into communities like Springfield.
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Context: A Growing Haitian Community in Springfield
Springfield, a city of just under 60,000 people, has seen a significant influx of Haitian migrants over the last several years. Local officials estimate that there are between 12,000 to 15,000 migrants in Ohio's Clark County, with more than 10,000 coming from Haiti. The Haitian Community Help and Support Center was established in 2023 to assist new arrivals.
The influx of immigrants has been a source of tension within the community. Some residents have voiced concerns over public resources, housing, and traffic safety. In a tragic incident last year, a Haitian immigrant was involved in a traffic accident that resulted in the death of a child, which has further fueled debates around immigration.
However, contrary to the narrative pushed by some political figures, the city of Springfield clarified that the Haitian immigrants currently residing there are legally present in the U.S. under the Immigration Parole Program and Temporary Protected Status, which allows them to work legally in the country.
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Baseless claims Used for Political Leverage
Experts have criticized the claims and their amplification as part of a broader strategy to stoke fear and division. The claims are seen by some as reflecting xenophobic sentiments aimed at influencing public opinion during election cycles.
"This is the same old anti-Black playbook that we’ve seen for hundreds of years in Ohio being rolled out to divide and create hate, especially around election times", said Erik Crew, an attorney for the Haitian Bridge Alliance.
Despite the local authorities' efforts to dismiss the rumors, right-wing influencers and political figures continue to use the claims as a rallying cry against the current administration’s immigration policies, further inflaming public sentiment.
Misinformation in a Political Climate
The incident in Springfield is a clear example of how misinformation can be weaponized for political purposes. Local officials and law enforcement are urging the public to rely on verified information and remain vigilant against false claims that target vulnerable communities. As Springfield continues to adjust to its growing immigrant population, the city’s leadership is focused on fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all its residents.
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