Haitian Bridge Alliance Sues Trump and Vance Over False Claims About Haitian Immigrants

Man in a suit with an American flag pin.

A Haitian nonprofit group has filed criminal charges against former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance for allegedly spreading false claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio.

At a Glance

Haitian Bridge Alliance files criminal charges against Trump and Vance
Charges include disrupting public services and telecommunications harassment
False claims led to bomb threats and harassment in Springfield
Group seeks arrest warrants for Trump and Vance

Criminal Charges Filed

The Haitian Bridge Alliance has taken legal action against former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance, filing criminal charges for what they claim are false and damaging statements about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. The charges include disrupting public services, telecommunications harassment, and aggravated menacing.

According to the legal filing, Trump and Vance allegedly spread unfounded claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, including accusations that they were killing and eating pets and spreading deadly diseases. These claims have been thoroughly debunked by local authorities, but not before causing significant distress in the community.

Haitian Bridge Alliance has brought criminal charges against Donald Trump & JD Vance for spreading false claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, OH. The nonprofit is demanding accountability for unsubstantiated statements. https://t.co/KdsoPuUAO2

— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) September 25, 2024

Community Impact

The false claims have led to serious consequences in Springfield. Dozens of bomb threats have been made against city buildings and schools, causing disruptions and increased security measures. Haitian residents and local officials, including the mayor, have received threats, leading to heightened community tensions and safety concerns.

“Their persistence and relentlessness, even in the face of the governor and the mayor saying this is false — that shows intent,” said Subodh Chandra, lead counsel on the case.

It’s important to note that most Haitians in Springfield are living in the U.S. legally under Temporary Protected Status and were recruited for local jobs. Despite this, Trump has used the situation to promise mass deportations.

The leader of a nonprofit representing the Haitian community filed criminal charges Tuesday against former President Donald Trump and JD Vance. https://t.co/IXVrRlQNVF https://t.co/IXVrRlQNVF

— ABC30 Fresno (@ABC30) September 24, 2024

Legal Implications

The filing by the Haitian Bridge Alliance is an unusual move. While charges by private citizens are rare, Ohio law allows for this type of action, requiring a hearing before proceeding. The group is seeking arrest warrants for both Trump and Vance, emphasizing that public figures should not be above the law.

“If anyone else had done what they have done, to the devastating effect experienced in Springfield, police and prosecutors would have filed charges by now,” stated the legal filing.

However, legal experts caution that the case may face challenges due to First Amendment protections. Case Western Reserve University law professor Jonathan Entin noted, “The First Amendment broadly protects the right of people to say things that aren’t politically relevant. The First Amendment doesn’t have an exception in general for false statements.”

As this case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities and raises important questions about the balance between free speech and accountability for public statements. The outcome could have significant implications for how public figures are held responsible for their words and actions.