Haitian Immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, Respond to Immigration Debate

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Springfield, Ohio, has found itself at the heart of a national debate on immigration following remarks by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. During a recent presidential debate, Trump made unfounded allegations that Haitian immigrants in the city were responsible for rising crime and even accused them of eating local pets.

“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, and the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” Trump claimed during the debate. These statements were made without supporting evidence, further escalating an already tense atmosphere surrounding immigration in the area.

City officials, including Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck, swiftly addressed the allegations, releasing a statement that dismissed any claims of harm to pets. “There is no evidence of any cats or other pets being harmed or eaten by Haitian immigrants,” Heck clarified in his official communication.

Springfield, located about 50 miles west of Columbus with a population of 58,000, has faced significant challenges in recent years. According to Heck, the city has seen its Haitian population surge to 15,000 and 20,000. This growth has contributed to a housing crisis and fueled local tensions.

The rapid influx of Haitian immigrants has brought various reactions, especially after a tragic school bus accident that claimed the life of an 11-year-old and the spread of misinformation about local wildlife and pets. City officials recently secured $2.5 million in state funding to help alleviate these issues, but concerns remain.

The Springfield City Commission meeting on Tuesday night saw high attendance, with the chamber reaching capacity as residents voiced their concerns over the city’s growing population and the challenges it presents. The Midtown Times spoke to local Haitian immigrants and other Springfield residents to better understand the situation.

Haitians Speak Out

Among those interviewed was Alimemby Estimable, a 19-year-old Haitian immigrant who moved to Springfield four years ago. A graduate of Springfield High School, Estimable currently works at an Amazon warehouse. He recounted his experience of being called derogatory names such as “dirty Haitian” and “illegal.”

Addressing the rumors about Haitian immigrants, Estimable said, “Most of us work in warehouses and factories. You can’t work there illegally. We’re legally working.” He expressed confusion over claims that Haitians were sent to Springfield en masse and emphasized that many are in the city legally through the federal Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program.

Morvens Pierre, another Haitian immigrant in Springfield, echoed Estimable’s sentiments. He pointed out that Haitians want to work and build a better life for themselves.

Estimable and Pierre were particularly baffled by the rumors about Haitian behavior in the city. Estimable noted, “I’ve been seeing a lot of people talking about stuff that’s not accurate… like all Haitians are cutting ducks’ necks and eating them at the park. I ain’t never seen a Haitian do that before.”

Local Residents’ Reactions

Opinions among long-time Springfield residents remain divided. While some have expressed frustration over the city’s handling of the Haitian population, others argue that Haitians are being unfairly blamed for broader issues.

A Springfield resident, Teena Rose, shared her concerns about the growing Haitian community, noting that the city was already grappling with housing and homelessness challenges before their arrival. Another resident, John Vick, who has lived in Springfield for 24 years, said the increase in population has made it harder to access county services and groceries.

However, not all locals share these sentiments. Deandrea Robinson, another Springfield resident, pointed to deeper societal issues, saying the city should focus on addressing racism and hate groups. She referenced a recent incident where individuals carrying swastika flags and rifles marched through the city, saying, “They see me standing next to a Haitian, and that’s too many Black faces for them.”

Champion City Cuts Barber Shop co-owner Joe Ruck noted that Springfield’s south side has become known as “Little Haiti.” According to Ruck, Haitian immigrants are taking jobs and living in homes that others in the community are not interested in. He added that Haitian immigrants are often unfairly targeted when issues arise in the city, stating, “Someone’s cat comes up missing? They’re going to say the Haitians did it.”

Clark County Library Adapts

The influx of Haitian immigrants has also prompted local institutions to adapt. The Southgate branch of the Clark County Public Library has made strides to serve its new patrons better, offering Haitian-English dictionaries, a French-language section, and even a full-time interpreter. Branch manager Tangee Hepp emphasized the importance of helping all patrons, saying, “Everyone deserves respect and dignity… They’re just trying to make a life for themselves.”

The debate over immigration in Springfield is far from over. The city continues grappling with the challenges and opportunities its changing population brings.

This article was adapted from a report by Erin Glynn of the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau.