Former President Donald Trump recently made false claims during a town hall with undecided Latino voters, stating that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating their neighbors’ pets. When questioned about the validity of these claims, Trump insisted he was only reporting what was said, without providing any evidence or sources other than mentioning newspapers. He also made further unsubstantiated claims about the migrant community consuming other items they should not be eating.
During the Univision forum in Florida, moderated by Mexican journalist Enrique Acevedo, Trump largely ignored audience questions and instead focused on attacking undocumented immigrants. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, who has criticized Trump’s claims about Haitians at previous events, still holds a slight advantage with Hispanic voters compared to Trump. The misinformation surrounding Haitian migrants in Springfield has been a recurring theme in Trump’s rhetoric on immigration, despite being debunked by local and statewide leaders from both parties.
The baseless rumors about Haitian migrants in Springfield have also been perpetuated by Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, even though they have been refuted by Republican Governor Mike DeWine, the city’s mayor, and police chief. Threats against the Haitian community in Springfield led to the cancellation of a cultural event, prompting DeWine to deploy state police for protection. Trump has previously referred to the migrants as illegal immigrants, expressing his intent to revoke their Temporary Protected Status and deport them if re-elected.
When questioned about his deportation plans and opposition to a bipartisan border bill earlier this year, Trump evaded direct responses, instead focusing on his administration’s past immigration policies and economic concerns facing farmers. He claimed to have had the strongest border in recorded history during his tenure as president, attributing illegal immigration to individuals crossing the border with malicious intent such as murderers, drug dealers, and terrorists. Despite multiple denials from local officials, Trump reiterated his false claims during the town hall, announcing plans to visit Springfield for a firsthand assessment of the situation.
Trump’s remarks during the town hall further perpetuated misinformation about Haitian migrants and undocumented immigrants, despite the lack of credible evidence to support his claims. His focus on attacking immigrant communities and promoting fear-based narratives aligns with his broader messaging on immigration. Meanwhile, his critics, including Vice President Harris, have condemned his comments as grounded in lies and harmful tropes. As the 2022 midterm elections approach, Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric around immigration continues to polarize voters and fuel divisive narratives.
