Ohio officials have categorically denied the recent wave of social media claims alleging that Haitian immigrants in Springfield have been abducting and eating pets, a rumor that gained traction after being amplified by Republican Senator JD Vance and other prominent conservatives. Despite the viral spread of these accusations, Springfield authorities have found no evidence to support the claims.
The controversy erupted after Vance, who is also the Republican vice-presidential nominee, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Haitian immigrants were "causing chaos all over Springfield" and that "people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country." Vance's post quickly went viral, amassing over 4 million views by Monday evening. His assertions were further bolstered by figures such as Senator Ted Cruz and X owner Elon Musk, who also shared related content on the platform.
However, Springfield officials, including the city's police division, have refuted these allegations. "In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community," said Karen Graves, Springfield's strategic engagement manager, in a statement to CBS News.
The Springfield Police Division echoed this sentiment, stating that they were aware of the "rumors" but had "no information to support them." Additionally, the police clarified that there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting, littering, or deliberately disrupting traffic.
The origins of the false claims appear to trace back to a private Facebook group focused on local crime in Springfield. In this group, an unverified post alleged that a neighbor's cat was found hanging from a branch near a Haitian neighbor's house, suggesting that the cat was taken for food. The post quickly gained traction on social media, with screenshots circulating widely on X and other platforms.
Fueling the misinformation, some social media users shared unrelated body camera footage of a separate incident in Canton, Ohio, where a woman was accused of killing and eating a cat. Public records indicate that the woman involved in that case, Allexis Telia Ferrell, is not a migrant and has lived in Ohio for at least 18 years.
The rapid spread of these false claims highlights the persistent challenges in combating misinformation, particularly when it involves sensitive issues such as immigration. Historians note that such baseless allegations, especially those targeting Haitian immigrants, have a long history rooted in discrimination and racism. Viles Dorsainvil, president of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center in Springfield, condemned the rumors as "uninformed and racist," emphasizing that they are part of a broader attempt to denigrate the Haitian community.
"It's just bigotry, discrimination, and racism," Dorsainvil stated. "There is a group of people who have been fabricating some news just to denigrate Haitians." He added that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are seeking safety and stability, having fled violence and political turmoil in their home country. "They are looking for a place to raise their family and look for a job. But it happens that the city has not been prepared for the influx of Haitians coming here," he explained.
Despite the baseless nature of the claims, the rumors have had significant traction online, with "Haitians" becoming the top trending topic on X in the United States by midday Monday. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, along with others like Jack Posobiec, contributed to the viral spread of these allegations, further stoking fears and tensions.
JD Vance, when questioned by NBC News about the lack of evidence for his statements, did not provide any proof but instead cited "a high volume of calls and emails" from concerned citizens in Springfield. Vance's spokesperson did not clarify whether any of these communications included concrete evidence of violence against pets.
Springfield, a city with a population of just under 58,000, has seen a significant increase in Haitian immigrants in recent years. Estimates suggest that as many as 20,000 Haitian immigrants have arrived in the Springfield area, revitalizing the city while also prompting some protests. The false claims about pet abductions underscore the tensions that can arise in communities experiencing demographic shifts, often exacerbated by misinformation and prejudice.
