Trump doubles down on unfounded claim Haitian migrants are eating pets

The town of Springfield, Ohio, has recently become the center of the immigration debate, with high-profile Republicans like Donald Trump claiming Haitian immigrants have caused disruptions in the city and committed illegal acts, including harming and eating animals.

“In Springfield, they're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there,” Trump said during the presidential debate on Sept. 10.

A press release released before the debate from Trump’s campaign claims “migrants have reportedly been caught 'decapitating ducks' and hunting geese and other livestock in public parks — and even kidnapping residents’ pets — then eating them.”

“Haitian illegal immigrants” are “generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio,” a Sept. 9 X post from vice presidential candidate and Ohio Sen. JD Vance says.

“Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country,” Vance’s post reads.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz shared a meme of cats hugging with text on top of the image that says, “Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants don’t eat us.”

WHAT WE FOUND
There is no evidence to support the viral claims that members of the Haitian immigrant community in Springfield, Ohio, have harmed or eaten wildlife or pets, according to city officials.

“In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community,” Karen Graves, a spokesperson with the City of Springfield told VERIFY. #Politics #News

[skroowi]

"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential Command."

[mattatuckmanful]

Dont believe your eyes! Believe our propaganda!

[shawna]

That's funny because the Ohio attorney general blasted the media over their coverage of this whole situation and has launched an investigation into the city of Springfield

[TVBossMomma]

It’s not that unfounded. Citizens of the small city where this is occurring have openly expressed concern with city council because law enforcement is not intervening.

[Yogurt_Fingers]

We're 2 weeks away from "Ok yes, they're eating pets and here's why you're racist for complaining"..

[BinkyStalls]

I trust the Springfield Citizens before any news organization or Political official.

[teddypeterson]

Everytime this title shows up just lets you know whos bought and paid for.

[humanvoicemail]

0:42 NOTICE: “debunked by local leaders” and NOT “debunked by local citizens” b/c the citizens are the people who came out and said their cats were being eaten

[IROCK-fsfq]

It’s not fake, look into it for two minutes will prove it!

[jimmayors]

according to citizens at city council meetings, it is NOT "unfounded". It is truth. I hate how the media changes facts!

[JimKoonz]

Why doesn't anyone in the media do their jobs and actually GO TO SPRINGFIELD and report what the people have to say? Instead they tell us these reports are unfounded, which in a way is true because no one will go find out!!

[BusesBikes]

So exactly what makes the claims unfounded? 
The videos from the country Sheriff admitting the problem is real? 
The body-cam videos of police answering calls and arresting illegals mid-chow on ducks and cats and dogs? 
The videos of dozens of citizens showing up at city council meetings complaining about the illegals eating every animal they catch inside the city limits?
Can you be more specific?

[skriabinfly]

Founded on statements by local residents who stated into a microphone that Haitian migrants are eating pets. And geese and ducks at the park fwiw.

[SagiCatMagic]

Debunked by "local leaders" Now that's rich!😂😂😂😂 Forget those "little people" saying otherwise lol.

[hollowdonte]

You really might want to work on getting the people crying about their dead pets off of YouTube before claiming it was debunked.

[謬]

Springfield residence: "theyre eating out pets"
Media: BS!

[jamesd]

There are eye witnesses. Can we stop pretending?

[MMGJ]

BREAKING: Kamala's lies still go unchecked.

[robinhendrickson]

Actually, it's not unfounded.
Just listen to what happened at the city commissioner meeting in Springfield.
Plus other reports.
And it's not just Springfield.

[cinematikslayer]

Utube taking down vids of Springfield residents claming eating pets