Before the US presidential election, a debate has started on what former President and Republican Party candidate Donald Trump said about illegal immigrants in the presidential debate on Wednesday. Targeting Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump said that the current government has failed to solve the issue of illegal immigrants and the situation is such that illegal immigrants from Haiti settled in the US state of Ohio are stealing the pets of local Americans and eating their meat.
However, debate moderator David Muir called Trump’s claim baseless. He quoted the city manager of Springfield, Ohio, saying that there is no evidence that immigrants are killing and eating the pets of local Americans.
The issue of migrants allegedly eating pet meat came into the spotlight when a migrant woman from Ohio was arrested for killing and eating a cat.
What did the witness say?
27-year-old Allexis Telia Ferrell is a resident of Canton city in Ohio, which has now become a controversial name in America. She is accused of killing a cat and then eating it.
A witness against Ferrell said in a complaint that he hit a cat on the head and then ate it in front of the people around. After this, the police arrested him on 6 September 2024. He was charged with cruelty to animals and was granted bail on a fine of one lakh dollars.
The Republican Party immediately seized this issue
After this incident came to light, a section of America became angry towards the immigrants from Haiti and the Republican Party has tried very well to capitalize on this issue.
Soon after the incident came to light, Trump’s campaign issued a statement saying, “Trump will deport the migrants who eat pets. But if Kamala Harris comes, she will settle them in the cities around you. America, now you make your choice.”
Donald Trump’s running mate, Republican Party’s vice presidential candidate and Ohio MP JD Vance also reacted to this. He said, ‘Months ago I raised the issue of illegal Haitian immigrants destroying social services and creating chaos in Springfield, Ohio. There are reports that people’s pets have been kidnapped and eaten by people who should not be in this country.’
JD Vance targeted Kamala Harris, calling her Border Czar and asked where is she when such news is coming?
However, Ohio state officials have said there are no credible and detailed reports to support such claims.
People’s reaction on social media
Right-wing social media accounts in the US are spreading exaggerations of allegations against Haitian immigrants. Such accounts are claiming that illegal Haitian immigrants are stealing pets and birds in Springfield, Ohio and eating their meat.
AI generated pictures are also being shared on social media in which Trump is seen running with cats and ducks in his hands and two immigrants are seen running behind him. A user shared a meme of Trump and wrote, ‘Springfield has only one hope.’
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