A Haitian organization in Connecticut and the mayor of a Connecticut city are speaking out against comments by former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance disparaging Haitian immigrants.
The comments, repeated by the Republican presidential and vice presidential candidates alleging that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are stealing and eating residents’ pets has been disputed by local officials there. No evidence suggests the claims are true. They have, however, inspired a wave of anti-Haitian sentiment and threats of violence against the town, resulting in the evacuation and closure of schools. The schools there have received 33 bomb threats and two colleges have moved to remote classes as a result, according to published reports.
U.S. Census numbers say approximately 20,000 Haitian immigrants have settled in Connecticut, with an increase in the past two years due to conditions in the Caribbean island country that has suffered violence, unrest, poverty and natural disasters.
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The majority of those immigrants are concentrated in cities such as Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford.
Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling issued a statement Tuesday condemning the remarks and offering support to Haitian immigrants in his city.
“Following the false and divisive statements that were made about Haitian immigrants living in Springfield, Ohio, that resulted in multiple threats of violence against this community, I want to remind all the Haitians living in the City of Norwalk how much we value them and how lucky we are to have them in our community,” Rilling said.
“We are proud to be home to one of the largest Haitian populations in CT. In Norwalk, we know that diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and we strive to be an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone to live, work, and thrive,” he said. “We continue to celebrate the contributions that Haitians have made to our community and recognize their ongoing positive impact on our society nationwide.”
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Sakpase Connecticut Inc. and members of the Connecticut Haitian community in a statement Tuesday also warned that Trump’s comments endanger immigrants. The statement, signed by President Riccardo Francois and other organization members, calls for people to work together to “build a community grounded in respect and mutual support, free from prejudice and fear.”
“Such misinformation and derogatory stereotypes are designed to inflame prejudice and create division within our society. These divisive statements have the potential to incite violence and discrimination against innocent Haitian migrants and citizens who are, in fact, respectful, hardworking, and dedicated individuals contributing positively to their communities,” the statement said.
“Haitians, like all people, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We call upon all individuals and public figures to reject and challenge this harmful rhetoric. It is essential to focus on fostering unity and understanding rather than perpetuating baseless claims that only serve to deepen societal divides.”
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, who represents Norwalk, posted a picture on X of the Haitian flag flying at his house and offering support for the Haitian community.
Brad Horrigan / Hartford Courant
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk.
“Once again flying the flag of Haiti at the house to stand in solidarity with the Haitian community. They’ve had to endure our former president trash them for years. Haitians are hard working and proud. I hope he and his weird VP candidate stop being racist,” Duff tweeted.
Few other Connecticut officials commented on the controversy on social media but U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy offered a reason for the repeated claims.
On X Saturday, Murphy tweeted that they “want you to be distracted by immigrants and cats and dogs because their plan is to cut taxes for Trump’s billionaire friends and control women’s bodies and that’s like a super super unpopular fringy agenda that they want to hide.”
