Lockland, Ohio – The small village of Lockland, with a population of just 3,400, is grappling with significant changes due to an influx of illegal immigrants. Residents report that the arrival of thousands of migrants has strained local services and diminished their quality of life.
Local officials informed Fox News Digital that approximately 3,000 mostly Mauritanian illegal immigrants have settled in the area. This surge has strained resources and worsened living conditions for the long-time residents.
Many of the new arrivals have congregated in several apartment complexes, leading to financial pressures on the village. Working residents are leaving, replaced by migrants who are not contributing to the local tax base.
Residents have voiced their frustrations regarding the impact of this situation. Mayor Mark Mason Sr. shared concerns about public safety, stating, “Our fire and paramedic services have been stressed. Since they moved into these apartment complexes, many long-time residents have moved out due to multiple fires. These incidents stem from their unfamiliarity with cooking on stoves, often using excessive grease.”
The mayor added that the increase in fires has prompted many working families to leave the area for safer living conditions. “Most of these new residents do not have jobs and do not contribute to the community,” he noted. “This is a serious concern for us.”
One resident, Kelly, described her experience living on the top floor of one apartment building, now predominantly occupied by illegal immigrants. “This place has become known as ‘the African village,’” she said, noting that around 85% of the residents are now undocumented migrants. “There were about 50 people loitering outside the apartment daily. They don’t seem to move out of the way when you’re driving. It’s concerning.”
Kelly recounted frequent fires, explaining that fire alarms go off constantly. “I’m afraid I’m going to burn up in a fire one night,” she admitted. “Everyone below me is an illegal immigrant, and the apartments next to mine are filled with them too.”
Another resident, Aaron, emphasized that immigration is the village’s biggest challenge. “Our community center is overwhelmed, and local churches are struggling to keep up with the demand for resources,” he said.
Concerns about loitering and safety were echoed by other residents. Dave, who has lived in Lockland for 37 years, said, “There are just too many hanging out on the streets and sidewalks. I’d be afraid to walk that way.”
While some residents mentioned crime and drug issues, not all connected these problems to immigration. Marilyn Bartko, who lives nearby, said, “Lockland needs industry, better housing, and improved schools. People often overlook these needs and label Lockland as dangerous without trying to bring about change.”
Village Administrator Doug Wehmeyer stated that the influx of illegal immigrants has resulted in about $150,000 in losses for Lockland, as many of these newcomers do not pay taxes and are displacing local residents.
“I don’t know how they found our small village,” Wehmeyer remarked. “We love living here, but the quality of life is definitely being affected by this issue.”
Lockland’s situation mirrors challenges faced by other towns, such as Springfield, Ohio, and Charleroi, Pennsylvania, which have also experienced surges in immigration.
Former President Trump has highlighted these towns as examples of what he views as the consequences of the Biden administration’s border policies. He has promised to continue building a wall at the southern border and to reinstate many of his previous immigration policies, including mass deportations.
In response, Vice President Kamala Harris has challenged Trump’s narrative, vowing to support a bipartisan border security bill if elected. However, she has also advocated for a comprehensive 2021 bill that would offer amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants already residing in the U.S.
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