A mural is displayed in an alley in downtown Springfield, Ohio, on September 16, 2024.
Luke Schallert | Getty Images
former president Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance’s baseless statement Haitian Immigration springfield ohio weakened republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wrote in an op-ed published Friday.
“this Biden administration’s failure to control southern border This is a very important issue that Mr. Trump and Mr. Vance are talking about, and one that the American people rightly care deeply about,” DeWine, a Republican, wrote in the Washington Post. new york times.
“But their verbal attacks on these Haitians living legally in the United States downplay and obscure what should be happening. winning argument About borders,” he said.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have long been viewed as failing to stem the tide of asylum seekers at the southern border. a key message Up and down the vote for Republicans, not just Trump’s re-election campaign.
Trump’s latest immigration claims thrust Springfield, Ohio, into the national spotlight after he and Vance, who represents Ohio in the Senate, spread baseless rumors that Haitian immigrants stole and ate the city’s residents’ pets.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine participates in a sound check at Fiserv Forum prior to the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 14, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images
DeWine and local officials have repeatedly denied the claims.
DeWine, who was born in Springfield, wrote on Friday: “As a supporter of former President Donald Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance, I am critical of them and others who continue to repeat the lack of evidence and disparagement of life in Springfield. Field was saddened by the legal immigration argument.
“Such rhetoric hurts the city and its people, and hurts those who spend their lives there.”
The Trump campaign has known that the rumors were false ever since Trump and Vance promoted them. wall street journal — Dozens bomb threat Leading to the evacuation and closure of Springfield City Schools.
DeWine announced Monday that Ohio police will begin conducting raids on city schools every morning and evening. Officials discovered the threats, which also targeted city hall buildings and a local hospital, were hoaxes.
William Martin, a spokesman for Vance, told NBC News that the Republican vice presidential nominee is “pleased” that DeWine supports the Trump-Vance campaign, but that Vance and DeWine “don’t always work together every day.” reached consensus on all issues.”
In his op-ed, DeWine highlighted the role Haitian immigrants played in revitalizing Springfield’s economy, which he said went through “tough times” in the 1980s and 1990s.
“Now, however, Springfield is seeing a resurgence in manufacturing and jobs. This is thanks in part to the influx of Haitian immigrants who have flocked to the city to fill jobs over the past three years.”
“They’re there legally. They’re there to work.”
