A Springfield, Ohio, resident called the local sheriff’s office to report seeing four Haitian migrants capturing geese near a city park, sparking concerns and viral online claims about migrants consuming local animals.

The controversy escalated after former President Donald Trump and other public figures commented on the issue, and though local authorities have denied claims of pets being taken for food, eyewitness accounts seem to tell a different story, as the New York Post reports.

On August 26, a local man on his way to work observed what he described as four individuals, whom he identified as Haitian migrants, capturing geese in a park near the city.

The witness immediately called the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, explaining that the group consisted of two men and two women. According to his report, they were driving a gray Toyota Tacoma truck while holding the geese.

Incident Comes Amid Growing Tensions in Springfield

Springfield, a city of 60,000 located 45 minutes from Columbus, has recently experienced a significant influx of Haitian immigrants. Over the past four years, an estimated 20,000 Haitian migrants have moved into the area, leading to increasing pressure on local resources and services.

City officials have sought assistance from federal legislators, including Senators Tim Scott and Sherrod Brown, as they face challenges related to healthcare and law enforcement needs.

On Tuesday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that state resources would be allocated to assist Springfield in handling the situation. The governor deployed Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers to help local police and provided $2.5 million to bolster the city's strained healthcare system.

Viral Claims About Migrant Behavior Spread Online

In the days following the initial report, claims that Haitian migrants were capturing and consuming local animals, including pets, began to circulate widely online. Prominent figures such as Elon Musk and Ohio Sen. JD Vance amplified these stories, further fueling public concern.

While many of these claims persist, some, including those about pets being taken for food, have been dismissed by local officials as potential hoaxes.

Critics argue that the spread of these claims has racial undertones, as they disproportionately target black Haitian migrants. Some community members, however, continue to express concerns about migrant behavior.

Local Residents Voice Complaints at City Commission Meeting

During a Springfield City Commission meeting on Aug. 28, several residents voiced their frustrations over the perceived behavior of the growing Haitian population. Anthony Harris, a 28-year-old resident, was particularly vocal, claiming that migrants were causing chaos in the city.

“These Haitians are running into trash cans. They’re running into buildings. They’re flipping cars in the middle of the street, and I don’t know how like y’all can be comfortable with this,” Harris said during the meeting.

Harris also alleged that the migrants were involved in more serious actions, accusing them of killing ducks in local parks. “They’re in the park, grabbing up ducks by the neck and cutting their heads off and eating them,” Harris claimed, although these allegations have not been confirmed by local law enforcement.

Local Authorities Respond to Growing Concerns

Despite the viral nature of these claims and the concerns expressed by residents, local officials have emphasized that there is no evidence to support accusations of widespread animal cruelty or the consumption of pets. Authorities continue to investigate the initial report involving the geese but have cautioned against the spread of unverified rumors.

Springfield’s city leaders are working closely with state officials and law enforcement to address both the practical and social challenges posed by the growing migrant population. At the same time, they are urging residents to remain calm and avoid jumping to conclusions based on viral reports.

Conclusion

In recent weeks, Springfield, Ohio, has been at the center of a controversy surrounding the behavior of Haitian migrants in the area.

A local resident’s report of migrants capturing geese has led to viral claims about animal cruelty, which have been amplified by high-profile figures and dismissed by local officials.

With tensions rising, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has stepped in to provide additional resources to the city, while local authorities work to dispel rumors and maintain peace in the community.