Washington [US], September 14: Former US President Donald Trump said on September 13 that if re-elected, he would deport a large number of Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio.
"We will be doing mass deportations in Springfield, Ohio," Mr. Trump said at a news conference at a resort near Los Angeles, California, Reuters reported.
Mr Trump has long pledged to fight illegal immigration . But the vast majority of the estimated 15,000 Haitian immigrants living in Springfield are legal. The city has been at the center of a media firestorm after Mr Trump and some Republicans spread a conspiracy theory that Haitians there eat their pets.
Former President Trump on September 13 did not repeat his claims about Haitian immigrants eating cats and dogs, which he mentioned during the presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. Springfield officials insisted the information was false and that there were no reports of pets being mistreated by immigrants.
Several elementary schools and administrative buildings in Springfield were evacuated on September 12 after receiving bomb threats, although it is unclear whether this is related to the recently circulated conspiracy theory.
US President Joe Biden has called for an end to attacks on the Haitian community. "It's completely wrong. What he [Trump] is doing has to stop," Biden said.
Gang wars in Haiti have forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee abroad. Springfield has seen a large influx of immigrants due to its low cost of living and job opportunities. The influx of Haitians has boosted the economy but also put a strain on social services , according to ABC News.
Haitian community leaders across the United States say Mr Trump's remarks could endanger lives and create more tension in Springfield.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
