In Springfield, Ohio, a migrant-advocacy leader has filed criminal charges against former President Donald Trump and Republican Senate candidate JD Vance, alleging that their comments about Haitians’ food choices in the small town are rooted in anti-Black racism. The charges include two counts of “aggravated menacing.
Guerline Jozef, on behalf of her group Haitian Bridge Alliance, has demanded that Clark County Municipal Court issue arrest warrants for both Trump and Vance. Ohio law allows private citizens to file criminal charges directly with a court, which will decide whether to issue warrants, refer the matter to a prosecutor, or reject the charges.
The town of Springfield has become embroiled in political controversy since Republican Vice Presidential candidate Vance tweeted allegations that Haitian migrants are abducting and eating neighborhood pets. Trump amplified these claims during his Sept. 10 debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, stating, “In Springfield, they are eating the dogs. The people that came in, they are eating the cats.
Jozef’s sworn statement alleges six crimes committed by the GOP duo: Trump and Vance’s comments have spread fear among the Haitian community and disrupted public services. Subodh Chandra, Jozef’s lead counsel, stated, “The Haitian community is suffering in fear because of Trump and Vance’s relentless, irresponsible, false alarms, and public services have been disrupted.
Despite the possibility of facing charges, the Republican ticket remains undeterred. Campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said, “President Trump is rightfully highlighting the failed immigration system that Kamala Harris has overseen, bringing thousands of illegal immigrants pouring into communities like Springfield and many others across the country.
Neither Jozef’s group nor her counsel responded to requests for comment. Haitian Bridge Alliance focuses on addressing issues unique to Black migrants, working with progressive coalitions fighting anti-Blackness, and advocating for the expansion of the Temporary Protected Status program that has brought over 15,000 people from Haiti to Springfield in just four years.
A local school district employee who asked to remain anonymous said the charges are “totally unfair,” and many residents still believe their pets have been “stolen for an untimely demise.” She added that the recent attention has been unsettling, saying, “It is so incredibly sad to see these kids scared or parents switching to online school because they are afraid to send their children to school. And I think that is so unfortunate that people have taken this situation in that direction. It is totally unnecessary to do that. No one deserves to be threatened like that. No one.
Trump has pledged to visit Springfield in person “soon,” while Vance has no official plans to join him.
