Trump Promises Mass Deportations Amid Springfield Immigrant Tensions

Republican candidate Donald Trump has pledged to deport Haitian immigrants from Springfield, Ohio, despite most being in the U.S. legally. His comments have stirred controversy, exacerbating tensions and causing fear among the Haitian community. President Joe Biden condemned Trump’s actions, urging the attacks on Haitians to cease.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pledged on Friday to conduct mass deportations of Haitian immigrants from the Ohio city of Springfield, even though the majority of them are in the United States legally.

Trump stated his intention at a press conference held at his Los Angeles golf resort, citing tensions in Springfield as a justification for stricter immigration policies. The city has become embroiled in controversy after right-wing agitators falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants were eating household pets.

Two elementary schools and one middle school in Springfield were shut down due to anonymous bomb threats, heightening the community's anxiety. President Joe Biden condemned Trump's remarks and urged an end to attacks on the Haitian community.

The Biden administration had earlier extended Temporary Protected Status to Haitians, allowing them to legally reside and work in the U.S. However, Trump's comments have escalated fears and tensions among the Haitian population, which has contributed to the local economy but strained social services.

Springfield's mayor, Rob Rue, and other community leaders have called for support rather than hatred, emphasizing the absence of credible reports of the alleged behavior. City officials, including spokesperson Karen Graves, noted that while hate crimes have not been reported, some Haitian residents have been victims of property theft.

(With inputs from agencies.)