Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck says immigration narrative 'skewed by misinformation'

Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck released a public statement Wednesday criticizing the unfounded rumors spread by conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump, that Haitian immigrants in the city have been eating pets and wildlife.

"It is disappointing that some of the narrative surrounding our city has been skewed by misinformation circulating on social media and further amplified by political rhetoric in the current highly charged election cycle," Heck said in the statement posted to Facebook.

Springfield, a city of around 58,000 people about 45 miles from Columbus, has seen an influx of around 20,000 Haitian immigrants in recent years, spurred by local employers looking to fill positions, The Cincinnati Enquirer previously reported .

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The fast-paced growth of the immigrant population has posed challenges for the city, but not because the immigrants are eating pets like the rumors claim, Heck said.

"These rumors will not distract us from the real strain on our resources, including the impact to our schools, health care system and first responders," Heck said.

There have been no credible reports of pets being harmed, injured or abused by members of the Haitian immigrant community, Heck said in a statement released Monday.

NHart@dispatch.com

@NathanRHart

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck says immigration narrative 'skewed by misinformation'