Social media posts have created a viral frenzy in the town of Springfield, Ohio – triggering responses from major U.S. legislators after reports of Haitian immigrant-related crimes and disturbances have put a political spotlight on the city as a result of the Biden border policy.
There are a multitude of truths, fabrications, and misleading and unconfirmed reports regarding this scenario. Reports include missing cats, deceased ducks, and increases in vehicular crimes. With comments from Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), Representative Wesley Hunt (R-TX), and Trump's running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance (R), this article will attempt to clarify some of the facts.
First, let’s start with what verifiably is true: Yes, the Springfield News-Sun reported that the town of Springfield, Ohio witnessed a 15,000-20,000 increase in Haitian immigrants in the last five years to the town that recorded just under 60,000 residents in 2020. Moreover, in May, a Haitian immigrant without a valid driver’s license struck a school bus with his minivan, killing an 11-year-old boy in Springfield. He was sentenced to nine to 13.5 years.
Furthermore, the following social media posts have not been confirmed true. They are included in this post to provide context to what U.S. legislators are referring to in their statements. One video, for example, is a Springfield, Ohio resident giving testimony to city commissioners regarding peculiar activity regarding ducks.
NEW: Springfield, Ohio man says Haitian illegals are decap*tating ducks from parks & eating them, accuses commission members of getting paid off for allowing it.
“They're in the park grabbing up ducks by their neck and cutting their head off and walking off with 'em and eating… pic.twitter.com/uE3wI3CXl3
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 8, 2024
🚨Report: Springfield Ohio residents are warning their pets and wildlife like ducks and geese are being eaten by Haitians
One neighbor said she saw her cat being carved up by the Haitians. Another neighbor said a police officer told her this is happening to dogs, ducks and geese pic.twitter.com/vANFMqUAzM
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) September 9, 2024
Once again, these posts could not be confirmed true, especially as Springfield Police investigations commander told Forbes there have been “no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.”
Still, U.S. legislators have provided comments on the issue, some have taken a cautious approach, while others have chosen humor (without making a legitimate claim) as Rep. Hunt did below:
We cannot allow our pets to become a hot lunch for Kamala’s newcomers.
This November, you can do your part.
Protect the Animals.
Vote Trump. pic.twitter.com/rhiUwjaksV— Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) September 9, 2024
“We cannot allow our pets to become a hot lunch for Kamala’s newcomers. This November, you can do your part. Protect the Animals. Vote Trump,” said Rep. Hunt.
Sen. Scott used this moment to plea others to support the SAVE Act.
We’ve seen disturbing reports of what’s happening in Springfield, Ohio, where the Biden-Harris admin has allowed 20,000 illegal immigrants to take over the small town. Imagine what would happen if Democrats allow them to take over our elections?!…
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) September 9, 2024
“We’ve seen disturbing reports of what’s happening in Springfield, Ohio, where the Biden-Harris admin has allowed 20,000 illegal immigrants to take over the small town. Imagine what would happen if Democrats allow them to take over our elections?! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. The fix is obvious: Secure the border. Pass the SAVE Act. Will Democrats get on board?” said Sen. Scott.
And finally, Sen. Vance resurfaced an old moment from a while back that touched on the issue of Haitian migrants in Ohio.
Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio.
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
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 9, 2024
“Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio. 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?” questioned Vance.
Florida Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz told The Floridian that if he didn't want to see "anyone's pets to come to harm," before jabbing at Republicans for focusing on "ducks" instead of raising an alarm after another school shooting.
"In the past week we've had kids gunned down in schools yet again— silence, from the people who are now screaming about ducks," added Moskowitz.
This is a developing story.
