Residents in Ohio are angry over the cultural clash between locals and Haitian migrants, demanding action from city officials.
Since the pandemic, thousands of Haitians have settled in Springfield. Locals point to increased crime, chaos, and car accidents as a result. In a town of 58,000, officials say around 20,000 Haitians have arrived.
“I see what’s happening out there,” said Anthony Harris, 28. “You guys sit in comfy chairs, but these Haitians are crashing into trash cans and buildings, flipping cars in the streets. How can you be okay with this?”
Lisa Hayes, 64, shared a troubling encounter at the supermarket. Migrants blocked her cart and wouldn’t let her pass. "I don't know what to call this, but where's the respect?" she said.
Others mentioned how migrants crowd public spaces and hit pedestrians. Some residents think the city should start giving driving lessons.
Diana Daniels believes it's a cultural issue. “Countries are defined by their culture and language, not skin color,” she said. “People describe what's happening, and it’s labeled as racism, but it's not."
She turned to city leaders and said, “Shame on you.”
At another meeting, Noel, a local woman, said she no longer feels safe. Migrants are camping near her home. “They scream at me, throw mattresses and trash in my yard," she said. "It’s unsafe, and I’m only 95 pounds. I can’t defend myself."
"It’s destroying us mentally," she added. "Who’s protecting me? I want out. Please give me a reason to stay."
A man in a Harley-Davidson shirt raised concerns about safety. “How do you know we aren’t getting criminals or rapists?” he asked, referencing a bus crash that killed a local child.
Another resident voiced frustration over leadership failures. "When am I getting my money back?" he demanded.