Amid an increase in false claims and hateful rhetoric against Haitian migrants in the US, rights advocate Guerline Jozef and her organization, the Haitian Bridge Alliance, have taken action. They filed criminal charges in Ohio against Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance for spreading false rumors about Haitian migrants. These statements have led to bomb threats, evacuations, and cancellations in Springfield, Ohio. Jozef believes it is important to hold these powerful individuals accountable and ensure they are not above the law, as their actions have disrupted public services and incited violence.
The legal effort by the Haitian Bridge Alliance is based on an Ohio law that allows private citizens to file criminal charges. While the outcome of the case is uncertain, the law requires the Clark County Municipal Court to hold a hearing on the issue. The case may raise questions about free speech rights, as the First Amendment protects lies and false statements made during political campaigns. However, Jozef’s lawyer, Subodh Chandra, argues that Trump and Vance’s relentless dissemination of harmful lies falls outside the protection of free speech, as they knew the stories were debunked and could foresee the harm caused by their actions.
The attacks on Haitians in Ohio are part of a broader effort by Trump and his allies to criticize Democrats on immigration issues. They have linked the surge in migrant populations at the US-Mexico border to the Biden administration’s policies and have capitalized on anti-immigrant sentiments to score political points. Democratic leaders, like Kamala Harris, have shifted their stance on immigration due to these attacks. Congressman Gregorio Casar introduced a bill addressing US policies and root causes of migration in the Americas to counter the Republican fearmongering about immigrants.
Despite the pushback against the hateful rhetoric, comments like those made by Republican Congressman Clay Higgins, who described Haitians as “wild” and accused them of eating pets, continue to fuel discrimination and abuse towards Haitian communities. Jozef and her group have faced verbal attacks, including racial slurs, highlighting the real consequences of such harmful rhetoric. Jozef remains determined to hold those accountable for targeting migrants, emphasizing the importance of standing up against hate and discrimination. The legal battle against Trump and Vance is just one step in a larger effort to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that misinformation and lies do not lead to violence and harm.
