Washington, D.C. — On Sunday, Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida) criticized the media’s focus on unsubstantiated claims regarding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. The claims, alleging that immigrants are consuming pets, have overshadowed what Rubio describes as the more significant impacts of immigration on small communities.
In an interview on “Face the Nation,” Rubio emphasized that attention should be directed towards the practical challenges faced by communities experiencing large influxes of migrants. He highlighted the strain on local infrastructure and services, citing issues such as increased traffic accidents, slower police response times, and overcrowded schools.
“There are literally people moving in by the thousands in places like Springfield and Charleroi, Pennsylvania,” Rubio stated. “Springfield has seen legitimate reports of traffic accidents and overcrowded schools. Yet, if residents voice their concerns, they are labeled as bigots or racists.”
The controversy began when former President Donald Trump, during a September 10 debate, falsely claimed that immigrants in Springfield were eating pets. The claim was quickly debunked by ABC moderator David Muir, who cited a statement from Springfield’s city manager denying any credible reports of pet harm.
Springfield’s mayor, police chief, and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, have all confirmed that there are no verified reports of pets being stolen or eaten by migrants.
A recent CBS poll reveals that while most voters doubt the pet-eating claims, a significant portion of Trump supporters—69%—believe the claims are likely true. Despite general disapproval of Trump’s assertions, two-thirds of his supporters approve of his statements.
According to the Associated Press, the influx of Haitians into Springfield followed a decline in manufacturing jobs in the 1990s. The city, which has recently seen increased labor demand, benefits from Haitian migrants who have filled many job vacancies. Most Haitian immigrants in the U.S. are legal and authorized to work, with Customs and Border Protection reporting 156,000 Haitian migrants processed at the southern border in the past two fiscal years.
Governor DeWine acknowledged the challenges posed by the arrival of 15,000 Haitians in Springfield, a city with a population of fewer than 60,000. Despite these challenges, DeWine praised the Haitian community for their hard work and contribution to the local economy.
In response to the situation, DeWine announced a $2.5 million state investment to expand primary care services in Springfield, addressing the lack of health care and vaccinations among new migrants.
DeWine assured residents that the state will continue to support Springfield as it navigates the challenges associated with the influx of migrants, criticizing the federal government for lacking a coherent plan.
Rubio, in his “Face the Nation” interview, defended the concerns of Springfield residents, arguing that they have a right to address the difficulties associated with a sudden increase in population. He criticized the notion that such concerns are inherently discriminatory.
“If any of us were faced with a sudden influx of 2,500 people in a town of 4,000, there would be issues,” Rubio said. “It’s unfair to label these concerns as bigotry.”
Additionally, Governor DeWine reported that Springfield has experienced over 30 bomb threats since the false pet-eating claims emerged. Rubio noted that while some of these threats may originate overseas, there is no evidence linking them to foreign governments.
“Many of these threats come from individuals abroad,” Rubio explained. “However, just because they originate from overseas doesn’t mean they are government-directed. These types of threats are not uncommon and can come from various sources.”
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