Schools in an Ohio town were evacuated twice this week following a bomb threat and rising tensions fueled by a surge in Haitian immigrants and attendant controversies.
Over two days, multiple schools faced evacuations in Springfield, as tensions escalated in the wake of last week's presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, as Breitbart reports.
On Friday, several schools in the town were evacuated after warnings from the Springfield police department. The previous day, the schools had experienced similar evacuations following an emailed bomb threat, further heightening fears in the community.
The FBI is now investigating threatening phone calls directed at a local Haitian community center, a development confirmed by Viles Dorsainvil, a community leader. The calls are suspected to be connected to rumors claiming that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were responsible for stealing and eating pets, a theory mentioned by Trump during Tuesday's debate.
The origins of the theory can be traced to a social media post about disappearing pets. However, the claim quickly snowballed, with some Republicans referencing it to advance concerns about the influx in immigrants to the small Ohio town. In a statement, Trump pledged "large deportations" of Haitian immigrants from the area, intensifying the atmosphere.
In a speech, Trump also made claims about the impact of immigration on Springfield, alleging that 20,000 immigrants were overwhelming the town and contributing to rising crime.
President Joe Biden condemned what he said was inflammatory rhetoric coming from Trump and others. Biden described the situation as an attack on the "proud Haitian American community" and emphasized the need to deescalate tensions. "There’s no place in America for this," Biden said, calling on Trump to end the divisive language.
While the arrival of 20,000 Haitians in Springfield has certainly put pressure on public services, some local businesses owners say they have benefited from the new labor force.
Republican Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio echoed Trump's expressions of alarm, suggesting that Springfield was suffering from a rise in diseases, higher rents, and increased crime due to the influx of immigrants. His remarks further spurred ongoing debate about immigration in the town.
Tensions in Springfield have been simmering since last year when a Haitian driver was involved in a car accident that tragically resulted in the death of a local child. Anti-immigrant activists have used the incident as a rallying cry, claiming that the influx of Haitian immigrants has endangered public safety.
However, the family of the deceased child has denounced the politicization of the accident. Nathan Clark, the father, expressed anger that his son's death was being exploited for political purposes.
Despite the growing unrest, many in Springfield’s Haitian community remain hopeful that the situation will deescalate and that their contributions to the town will be recognized rather than vilified. Community leaders are working with law enforcement to ensure the safety of both immigrants and long-term residents.
As the investigation into the bomb threat continues, the town remains on edge. Local authorities are urging calm and cooperation as they work with federal agencies to determine the origin of the threats and whether they are linked to the campaign themes regarding illegal immigration.
The situation in Springfield highlights the larger national debate over immigration and the role of political rhetoric in fueling division. For now, the town faces a difficult path forward as it grapples with tensions that show no sign of easing.
