Donald Trump has vowed to carry out mass deportations in a small Ohio town shaken by unfounded rumors that Haitian migrants are eating pets and park animals.
Speaking on Friday, Trump singled out Springfield, claiming the town had been “destroyed” by immigration. He also referenced a city in Colorado, which right-wing figures falsely assert is controlled by a Venezuelan gang.
Springfield officials have condemned the debunked pet-eating allegations, noting that they have sparked violent threats and forced schools to close. President Joe Biden urged calm, calling the accusations against Haitians “simply wrong.”
“This has to stop, what he’s doing,” Biden said, referring to Trump’s rhetoric.
Trump’s pledge follows nearly a week of misinformation about migrants harming pets and children in Springfield, claims he reiterated during his debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday. Local officials, including the police chief, mayor, and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, have all discredited the rumors.
On Friday, three Springfield schools were evacuated following bomb threats, with at least one making disparaging remarks about Haitians, according to Mayor Bob Rue. This followed the evacuation of city hall, several other buildings, and a school the day before due to similar threats.
During a press conference at his Los Angeles golf course, Trump was asked if he would visit the town. He responded, “We will do large deportations from Springfield, Ohio – large deportations. We’re going to get these people out. We’re bringing them back to Venezuela.”
Most of the migrants in Springfield are Haitians with legal status under a federal program. It was unclear why Trump mentioned Venezuela, though he also referred to Venezuelan migrants in Aurora, Colorado, and said deportations would begin there if he wins the election.
Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted shared a photo of Canadian geese online, saying, “Most Americans agree these migrants should be deported.”