A prominent Haitian politician brought a peculiar moment in American politics to the U.N. General Assembly on September 26, 2024.
Speaking to international leaders about gang violence in his nation, Edgard Leblanc Fils, the president of Haiti’s transitional council, lamented the enormous number of people leaving their country to escape the bloodshed. Then he brought up unfounded rumors that said Springfield, Ohio, Haitians were consuming dogs and cats for food.
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The disproved material gained international attention at last month’s U.S. presidential debate, where former President Donald Trump reiterated the assertions that have gone viral online and been bolstered by Ohio Senator JD Vance, his running mate. Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s opponent from the Democratic Party, supports President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, which are being criticized by the Republican ticket.
Fils expressed his nation’s worry about the fallout from the false allegations made against fellow Haitians in his speech to the General Assembly.
“I would like to extend a brotherly greeting to all friends of Haiti that have shown solidarity towards the migrants from our country — and in particular those living in Springfield, Ohio,” he stated.
A look back at US-Haitian relations “enables us to say with confidence that the American people reject any incitement to hate against our community,” he noted.
“The passions that naturally arise during an election campaign should never serve as a pretext for xenophobia or racism in a country such as the United States, a country forged by immigrants from all countries, and which has become a model of democracy for the world.”
Trump brought up Springfield during the Harris debate, claiming that immigrants were encroaching on the community.
“They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” he said.
