President Joe Biden weighed in Friday on unsubstantiated claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are abducting and eating cats and dogs, saying the narrative is “simply wrong” and has “no place in America.”
“This has to stop, what he’s doing. It has to stop,” he added, referring to former President Donald Trump.
President Joe Biden speaks during a “Brunch in Celebration of Black Excellence” on the South Lawn of the White House, Sept. 13, 2024, in Washington.
Evan Vucci/AP
Throughout this past week, former President Donald Trump and his allies have continued to double down on the unsubstantiated narrative that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in Springfield.
“The Springfield, Ohio, police department has debunked this very bizarre and very hateful smear that’s out there,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a briefing with reporters on Thursday.
Jean-Pierre is the daughter of Haitian immigrants. She condemned this “hateful rhetoric” and said it could lead to dangerous scenarios.
She also noted reporting that Haitian communities are fearful, keeping children home from school and facing threats to their property.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily briefing at the White House, Sept. 13, 2024, in Washington.
Jose Luis Magana/AP
“So many Americans like Karine, as she pointed out a proud Haitian-American, a community that’s under attack in our country right now. It’s simply wrong. There’s no place in America,” Biden said.
Springfield Mayor Rob Rue told ABC News on Friday that such rumors are “factually not true” and promised that “your pets are safe in Springfield.”
The city of Springfield previously told ABC News in a statement that “there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.”
ABC News’ Emily Chang and Armando Garcia contributed to this report.
President Joe Biden recently refuted the narrative that Haitian immigrants have “no place in America,” asserting that all individuals, regardless of their nationality or background, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. This statement comes in response to the recent influx of Haitian migrants at the US-Mexico border, which has sparked controversy and debate about the country’s immigration policies.
The Biden administration has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with some accusing the president of being too lenient on immigration and allowing undocumented migrants to enter the country unchecked. However, Biden has pushed back against these claims, emphasizing that the United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants and that Haitian migrants should not be singled out or discriminated against.
In a recent speech, Biden highlighted the contributions that Haitian immigrants have made to American society, pointing out that they have played a vital role in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of the country. He also stressed the importance of upholding America’s values of inclusivity and diversity, stating that all individuals have the right to seek a better life for themselves and their families.
Biden’s comments come at a time when immigration reform is a hot-button issue in the United States, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle grappling with how to address the influx of migrants at the border. The president has called for comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, while also strengthening border security measures to prevent illegal crossings.
While the debate over immigration policy continues to rage on, Biden’s stance on Haitian immigrants serves as a reminder that all individuals, regardless of their nationality or background, deserve to be treated with compassion and empathy. As the United States grapples with the challenges of a changing world, it is crucial that we remain true to our values of inclusivity and acceptance, and continue to welcome those who come to our shores in search of a better life.
