Activists and Haitian Americans are advocating for Haitian students and the diaspora following former President Donald Trump’s false claim during a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday, Sept. 10, that Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, were “eating the dogs and cats.”
Despite city officials denying credible evidence of such claims, last month in a Universal Noticias town hall in Doral, Florida, Trump doubled down on his conspiracy theory stating his focus on Springfield is to ensure the safety and security of residents. A registered Republican attendee challenged Trump, noting that authorities in Springfield have clarified the claims are false, yet Trump has vowed to revoke immigration permits for legally residing Haitian migrants if re-elected.
The rhetoric is still having a wide impact on Haitian communities, both in Ohio and across the country, and students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Florida are not unique to that.
Anne Charles, a junior Law student at Florida A&M College of Law who was born in Haiti, expressed concern over these false claims and the impact it has on Haitians in the United States.
“A lot of the hate is on social media, where people feel emboldened to make racist comments under posts from Haitians,without considering what the hate might fuel,” said Charles, who is co-president of the Caribbean Law Student Association. “This only creates a hostile environment and further division among people.”
Since Trump’s false claims, violent threats against the community have disrupted daily life in Springfield. The misinformation and baseless claims have led to bomb threats, school closures, and rallies, further destabilizing the community. This highlights the racism and discriminatory issues faced by immigrants.
Trump’s misinformation appears to have originated from viral posts linking it to a separate incident in Canton, Ohio, where a woman was arrested for allegedly killing and eating a cat. His running mate Ohio Senator J.D. Vance amplified the false narrative in a post on X, alleging that “reports” indicated pets had been abducted and eaten by undocumented immigrants.
Terry Nelson, founding president of the Institute of Caribbean Studies, points out the potential harm public figures may cause if they spread misinformation.
“It’s dangerous when influential figures spread baseless claims without evidence, as it fuels xenophobia and creates a hostile environment for immigrant communities,” said Nelson. “We must implement targeted responses specifically for Haitians, to address the rising threats and hostility they are now facing.”
The Haitian Bridge Alliance has filed charges against Trump and Vance, due to chaos and threats faced by Springfield, Ohio, following the false claims. The charges include disrupting public services and telecommunications harassment, stemming from over 30 bomb threats that prompted school and government closures.
“If it were anyone else … they would have been arrested by now,” said attorney Subodh Chandra, a former federal prosecutor and founding and managing partner of The Chandra Law Firm LLC.
Germain Bebe, a Haitian American and chief operating officer of Black in Marine Science, expressed deep offense at Trump’s remarks about Haitians, calling them harmful and a personal attack on his identity. Bebe said these kinds of statements exacerbate the discrimination and stereotypes Haitians have long faced, according to an article published by the Florida Courier.
The Trump-Vance campaign stated, “President Trump is rightfully highlighting the failed immigration system,” framing the issue as part of a broader immigration debate.
In recent years, thousands of temporary Haitian migrants have arrived legally under the U.S. Temporary Protected Status program, fleeing the escalating violence and gang rule in their home country.
“It’s stupid, it’s dangerous, it’s malicious, and it shows how the desire for power can lead people to say and do ridiculous things,” said Charles, the FAMU student. “His refusal to back down and admit that what he said was wrong—and could cause harm to those involved—shows how dangerous he is, not just for Haitians, but for everyone.”
Haitian-Americans have become increasingly influential in U.S. politics, especially in regions like South Florida, where they represent a substantial voting bloc. Many are active in local and state politics, advocating for immigration reform and policies that address humanitarian aid for Haiti. The growing political involvement of Haitians immigrants has led to increased representation, with Haitian-American politicians holding offices in local, state, and federal levels.
This political engagement reflects concerns over U.S. foreign policy towards Haiti, immigration laws, and support for the Haitian community. As naturalized citizens, Haitians voters have the potential to influence key races in states with large Haitian populations.
Nelson said that migratory difficulties and several U.S. laws have aimed to establish legal channels for Haitian immigrants.
“I believe programs like Haitian Family Reunification Parole underscores the need for legal pathways for those fleeing hardship,” said Nelson. “The journey of Haitian migrants is often fueled by a desperate search for safety and stability, driven by years of turmoil in their homeland, so it’s important for us to understand the unique challenges they face.”
Charles, who was born in Port-au-Prince, and raised by her parents in Miami Fla., said it’s important to foster an open dialogue within HBCUs to help students when they’re struggling to cope with the backslash they face due to their nationality.
“HBCUs can implement an open conversation program where students can share their minds without any ridicule from professors or from higher levels,” said Charles. “Allowing students to communicate without fear creates a better understanding of our culture and helps us work together more effectively.”