Recently, a viral claim has been circulating, suggesting that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are abducting pets and ducks from public parks for consumption. This claim, which has been propagated by notable figures including Elon Musk and JD Vance, has been dismissed by local law enforcement. The Springfield Police Department has stated that there is no evidence to support these allegations, and no credible reports have been received regarding such incidents.
The viral claim, however, underscores broader concerns about the recent surge of migrants in Springfield, a city with a population of 60,000 located approximately 45 minutes west of Columbus. Over the past few years, the city has seen an influx of up to 20,000 Haitian immigrants, which has put significant pressure on city services.
The rumor began at a Springfield City Commission meeting in August, where a 28-year-old man alleged, without providing any evidence, that Haitian migrants were decapitating ducks in local parks for food. This claim was further fueled by a social media post in a Springfield Facebook group, alleging that a friend’s cat had gone missing and was later seen being prepared for a meal in a Haitian migrant’s yard.
One of the videos that went viral in connection with these claims featured a woman who was arrested for allegedly consuming a cat. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the woman in question is of Haitian descent or a migrant, and the incident took place in Canton, which is about three hours away from Springfield.
JD Vance, an Ohio senator, was among the first high-profile politicians to amplify these claims. He stated that pets were being abducted and eaten by individuals who should not be in the country. Elon Musk also contributed to the spread of these claims by commenting on and reposting AI-generated images of Donald Trump rescuing ducks and kittens.
Critics have labeled these claims as racist, viewing them as xenophobic reactions to the changing demographics of Springfield. The city, which was predominantly white, has seen a steady increase in its minority population over the past decade. Some believe that the allegations against Haitian immigrants are an attempt to create division and incite hatred, especially during election periods.
The issue of Haitian migrants has indeed become a contentious topic in Springfield. Over the past four years, the city’s Haitian population has increased by 15,000 to 20,000 people, leading to a significant strain on city services. This has led to outrage among many residents and local politicians, who claim that the influx of Haitian migrants has left legal Americans disadvantaged.