Trump Pledges to Deport Haitian Migrants Residing in Springfield, Ohio

Former President Donald Trump has vowed to revoke the temporary protected status (TPS) of Haitian migrants living in Springfield, Ohio, pledging to deport them back to their home country if re-elected in 2024. During an interview with NewsNation on Wednesday, Trump emphasized that the influx of approximately 20,000 Haitian migrants has “overrun” the town of roughly 58,000 residents, creating significant challenges for the community.

“It has nothing to do with Haiti or anything else. You have to remove the people, and you have to bring them back to their own country,” Trump said. He described Springfield as a once “beautiful place” that has been overwhelmed by the recent migrant surge. “You can’t do that to people. I’d revoke the protected status, and I’d bring the migrants back to their country.”

The Biden administration’s use of TPS has allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants from countries like Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua to remain in the U.S. temporarily due to instability in their home nations. According to the American Immigration Council, over 863,000 migrants are currently in the U.S. under TPS as of March 2024.

Trump’s comments come as Springfield becomes the focal point of national attention. Alongside his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), Trump cited concerns over reports of Haitian migrants allegedly stealing and eating residents’ pets—although these reports remain unverified. Vance doubled down during a vice-presidential debate, arguing that Springfield's schools and housing are “overwhelmed” by the influx of migrants, leaving residents to compete with illegal immigrants for essential resources.

• Around 20,000 Haitian migrants have moved to Springfield, Ohio, in recent years, significantly impacting local resources.

• Trump promises to enact the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history if re-elected.

• Under the Biden-Harris administration, over 10 million illegal immigrant encounters have been reported at the southern border.

As Trump prepares to visit Springfield in the coming weeks, local leaders have expressed concern. Republican Mayor Rob Rue urged Trump to reconsider his visit, citing safety issues. “Should he choose to change his plans, it would convey a significant message of peace to the city of Springfield,” Rue said. Despite the warnings, Trump remains firm in his commitment to address what he calls the "overrunning" of Springfield.

Many residents, frustrated by the situation, are looking to Trump for answers. “They say our police force is staffed. It’s not,” one Springfield resident told The Daily Wire. The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that police are often tied up translating for migrants who don’t speak English, further stretching an already understaffed force. “I would like to see the election go in favor of Donald Trump this year, and I would like to see deportations.”

With immigration set to be a central issue in the 2024 election, Trump’s firm stance on enforcing border laws and deportations is resonating with many who feel abandoned by the current administration’s policies. As record numbers of illegal immigrant encounters continue along the southern border, Trump’s vow to crack down on immigration will likely be a key component of his campaign.

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