Amid an increase in false claims and hateful rhetoric about Haitian migrants in the United States, rights advocate Guerline Jozef received appeals from community members seeking protection against the onslaught of lies. Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance advocacy group, decided to take action by filing criminal charges in Ohio against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance for spreading false rumors about Haitian migrants in Springfield. The allegations against Trump and Vance include violations related to menacing, harassment, and making false alarms that have disrupted public services.
Despite warnings from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other officials about the dangerous implications of the false claims, Trump and Vance continued to spread debunked stories, resulting in bomb threats, evacuations, and cancellations of events. The Haitian Bridge Alliance’s effort to file criminal charges relies on an Ohio law that allows private citizens to take legal action in the state. While it remains unclear whether the charges will lead to a prosecution, the court will hold a hearing to determine if the case should proceed to prosecution or arrest warrants.
Subodh Chandra, who represents Jozef and the Haitian Bridge Alliance, argues that Trump and Vance’s statements fall outside of free speech protections as they represent a calculated effort to cause harm through the dissemination of lies. Chandra believes that the harm caused by persistent spreading of false information makes Trump and Vance criminally liable. The Haitian Bridge Alliance has requested that Trump and Vance face six charges under Ohio law, with a potential seventh charge for inducing panic.
The attacks on Haitians in Ohio are part of a broader effort by Trump to critique Democrats over immigration issues. The Biden administration has faced criticism from Republicans for border policies that have led to a surge in crossings at the southern border. The demonization of foreigners and immigrants has been a common tactic in US elections, prompting Democrats to adopt more hardline positions on immigration. Congressman Gregorio Casar introduced a bill to address underlying causes of migration and criticized Republican fearmongering and misinformation.
Despite efforts to push back against hateful rhetoric, comments like those made by Republican Congressman Clay Higgins continue to contribute to a hostile environment for vulnerable migrant communities. Lawmakers in the House of Representatives sought to censure Higgins for his racist remarks about Haitians, highlighting the ongoing discrimination faced by Haitian communities. Jozef emphasized the need to hold accountable those who target migrants with impunity and called for continued advocacy to protect vulnerable individuals from harmful rhetoric and actions.
