Springfield discredits rumors that immigrants are abducting, eating pets; Ohio AG gets involved

SPRINGFIELD — There are all kinds of rumors spreading about Springfield, including that immigrants are abducting and eating pets.

News Center 7 reached out to the city to clear things up.

This afternoon, the city of Springfield said there are no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused.

Springfield addressed other rumors releasing the following statement:

“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. Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents’ homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic.”

—  Karen Graves, Springfield Strategic Engagement Manager

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Beyond the unfounded rumors, there are real issues at play when it comes to city resources.

News Center 7 has seen the topics on the number of immigrants in Springfield dominate recent city commission meetings at City Hall.

Now, from what Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost told News Center 7′s John Bedell, it could move into a courtroom.

The city has been dealing with a population increase over the last several years – primarily according to the city, due to a surge in Haitian immigrants.

“We’re at a breaking point in Springfield,” says Ohio AG Dave Yost.

He told News Center 7′s John Bedell that his office is looking into legal avenues that could help cities like Springfield, in particular.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Apalachee High School Shooting: Colt Gray’s mother warned counselor about ‘extreme emergency’
• State Fire Marshal investigating after 3-alarm fire destroys Darke County garage
• Coroner ID’s woman killed in Trotwood crash

City leaders previously told News Center 7 the population increase is straining police, fire, hospital, housing, and translation services.

They’ve also emphasized that all of Springfield’s Haitian immigrants are here legally. They’re refugees under temporary protected status.

“Look, this is not really about immigration. It’s about too many immigrants. It’s too many people,” Yost said.

The city has talked with local members of Congress and written a letter asking for federal help. Yost also said he’s looking into a more forceful approach to make sure Springfield and Ohio’s concerns are heard in Washington.

“We’re still working on the legal theory, but I’m hoping to get into federal court in front of a federal judge. When you sue somebody, they have a tendency to pay attention,” Yost said.

The city said they’re not doing interviews on “immigrant-related topics” right now when News Center 7 reached out to them today.

A couple of changes they’ve made to the city’s website recently is they’ve added an immigration “FAQ” page and they have another page with a template letter for people to write their state and federal lawmakers about the issue.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Links of interest:

>> Draft Letter to Write state and federal lawmakers

>> Immigration Frequently Asked Questions