Haitian Elected Officials in Florida Condemn Remarks by Trump and Vance

Florida Elected Officials of Haitian Descent Speak Out Against Remarks Made by Trump, J.D. Vance, and other Republicans

Haitian elected officials across Florida speak out against harmful and hateful misinformation smearing hard-working Haitian immigrants

FLORIDA - Both former President Trump and his Vice Presidential candidate, J.D. Vance continue to spread dangerous falsehoods against Haitian migrants. 

In a stunning full-throated defense of xenophobia, both The Official Twitter for Republican House Judiciary Committee and Congressman Ted Cruz created disgusting social media posts that fueled the lie.  

This has prompted elected officials of Haitian descent in Florida to denounce these statements. Everyone who was asked to give a pronouncement on this matter quickly responded except for State Representative Berny Jacques.

Congresswoman Sheyla Cherfilus McCormick said, “Donald Trump is once again fixating on fictitious stories rooted in racist stereotypes in hopes of scaring Americans into voting for him. His outrageous comment about immigrants eating Springfield, Ohio, residents’ pets is nothing more than a desperate attempt to stoke fear and division. It’s insulting, it’s false, and it’s rooted in the worst kinds of stereotypes. Let’s be clear: Haitians and other immigrants come to this country committed to education, hard work, and building a better life, not just for themselves but for all of us. They contribute to our economy, enrich our culture, and strengthen our communities. Trump’s comments are a distraction from the real issues we face, and we won’t be fooled."

House Representative Dotie Joseph said, "As a lawyer, the VP-wannabe knows how to research, so he certainly knew and should have known that his racist and xenophobic claims are false--even if he doesn't "practice" law.  But when you don't have integrity, you don't care about truth, you don't care about the impact on people, and you just want attention. I am also a graduate of Yale, and also happen to be a lawyer engaged in public service, but unlike the shameless conmen, I believe in truth, integrity, and loving thy neighbor. Like many Americans, including Aiden Clark's loving family, who were included in this disrespectful political crap show, I'll offer some neighborly advice: 

Just say you're losing and desperate for political attention. We all see it. Because if you actually cared about Ohio, the 'Renewal' would have taken place by now. The conman compulsion to deflect from your inadequacies by scapegoating immigrants, especially Black ones, is plain and pathetic. Just keep your ignorant, asinine accusations to yourself; keep Haitians and Aiden's name out of your mouth, unless it involves a full-hearted, unequivocal apology.  

If you knew anything about the shared history between the U.S. and Haiti being the first two countries to gain independence in the Western hemisphere – albeit under markedly different circumstances of freedom for Black people versus bondage – then you would know that Haitians helped fight in the American Revolution. Or perhaps that's exactly your issue--a specific anti-blackness born out of the remnants of the peculiar Institution that was American slavery, and Haitian's indelible destruction of that system that sent shock waves throughout the slave-owning world." 

House Representative Marie Woodson said, “For those who do not believe Former President Donald Trump and Senator J D Vance for their disdain of immigrants who do not look like them, it was made crystal clear at the recent debate with Vice President Harris. Trump's unhinged rants about migrants indicate he has no problem spreading lies and vicious characterizations about Haitians and others. Which group will he use next to divide and put fear in our neighbors, friends, and workplaces? Migrants are human and should not be treated as pawns for a selfish goal of divide and conquer. As an individual who is grateful for the opportunities the United States has provided to me and others, I refuse to believe those who also care deeply about this country will support the continuation of the Trump-Vance agenda of hate and chaos.”

Miami-Dade Commissioner Marleine Bastien said, “The fabrications are not just insulting. They are part of a plan to demonize Haitians- and by extension, all immigrants and all people of color— as a step towards discrimination and persecution. Haitians are here because of generational trauma from past dictatorships, political and organized gang violence . They are honest , hardworking people who have contributed to build the social , economic and political fabric of our nation. Don’t waste energy in angry outbursts. Use their hateful and racist fabrications as tools to organize, mobilize, and build power .”

Coral Springs Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen said, “It is crucial to recognize that spreading misinformation about any group not only damages reputations but also fosters division and intolerance. We must address and reject these damaging narratives and foster an environment of truth and respect for all communities. Spreading baseless accusations about Haitian immigrants consuming pets is a blatant attempt to dehumanize and vilify our community. This kind of xenophobic language is not only incorrect but also deeply damaging. We demand respect and truth, not deceit and division."

North Miami Mayor Alex Desulme said, “The fabrications are not just insulting. They are part of a plan to demonize Haitians- and by extension, all immigrants and all people of color— as a step towards discrimination and persecution. Haitians are here because of generational trauma from past dictatorships, and political and organized gang violence. They are honest, hardworking people who have contributed to building the social, economic, and political fabric of our nation. Don’t waste energy in angry outbursts. Use their hateful and racist fabrications as tools to organize, mobilize, and build power.”

City Clerk of North Miami Vanessa Joseph said, “As an immigration attorney, and the proud daughter of Haitian immigrants, I feel compelled to address the recent spread of misinformation targeting Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. The baseless statements accusing members of the Haitian community of abducting and consuming pets and engaging in other criminal activity have been thoroughly debunked by local law enforcement. The perpetuation of these statements incites fear, fuels xenophobia and does nothing but harm the fabric of our society by sowing fear and mistrust. 

Haitian immigrants, like all immigrants, come to this country seeking protection against the violence that has marred their homeland. They have fled severe hardship, hoping to rebuild their lives in peace while contributing positively to the communities in which they live. Haitian immigrants are known for their work ethic and their deep Christian faith. They add immeasurable value to the cultural fabric of our nation. We must not allow misinformation and divisive rhetoric to undermine the rights of immigrant families to live in peace and dignity.”

Executive Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition Tessa Petit said, “Donald Trump’s fear-mongering lie accusing (Haitian) immigrants of stealing and eating people's dogs is deeply racist and xenophobic,  and should anger us all. These statements are not only disrespectful to the thousands of Haitians living in Ohio but endanger the lives of all immigrants who are valued contributors to our communities across the country.  We won't stand for being scapegoats for a failing campaign.” stated Tessa Petit, Executive Director of Florida Immigrant Coalition.”

bh