Former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently a Republican candidate for the White House, has reiterated his message of conducting mass deportations if he wins the upcoming November 5 election, starting with the states of Ohio and Colorado, as he stated in a press conference. "We are going to carry out the largest deportation in the history of our country," he declared to journalists from Rancho Palos Verdes, California. "And we will begin with Springfield and Aurora," reported CBS News.
Trump's promise was accompanied by a continuation of unfounded claims against Haitian immigrants living in Springfield, whom he accused, without evidence, of eating animals during a televised debate with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. "They are eating dogs, they are eating cats. They are eating people's pets," Trump stated in front of an audience tuned in to watch the performance of the two main presidential candidates. His statements were questioned by the debate moderators, who cited the city administrator of Springfield.
Nevertheless, in the press conference, Trump insisted he would deport all immigrants to Venezuela. "We are going to remove these people. We are going to send them back to Venezuela," he said, showing no concern for the consequences of his words, similar to his approach during his confrontation with Harris.
The accusations have put the Haitian community in the spotlight, resulting in bomb threats that forced the closure of schools and other official facilities last week. President Joe Biden urged last Friday for an end to such rhetoric.
Springfield has more than 58,000 residents, some of whom are Haitians who have arrived to take up positions in the manufacturing industry. The mayor of Springfield, the police chief, and Ohio's Republican governor Mike DeWine have stated that there are no credible reports to support the allegations that immigrants are stealing and eating pets.
Even before being officially nominated for the White House, Trump has promised the deportation of immigrants and has presented it as a key element of his campaign. In May, during an interview with Time magazine, the businessman emphasized the need to address what he considers "an unsustainable immigration crisis for the country," using the police, the military, and without ruling out the creation of detention camps for immigrants.
FAQs on Trump's Deportation Plan
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Donald Trump's proposed deportation plan and its implications.
What states would Trump target first for deportations?
According to Trump's statements, he would start with Ohio and Colorado, specifically targeting cities like Springfield and Aurora.
Why is Trump focusing on Haitian immigrants?
Trump has made baseless claims against Haitian immigrants, accusing them of eating pets, a statement that has been widely debunked and criticized by officials and the community.
How has the community reacted to Trump's statements?
The community has faced bomb threats and increased scrutiny, prompting calls from President Joe Biden to end such harmful rhetoric.