Written by Christopher Hartman.

On September 10, 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that he would be sending the Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with $2.5 million in aid, to Springfield. This once-quiet town has found itself grappling with a surge of illegal Haitian immigrants, leading to rising crime rates and, strangely enough, a disturbing increase in pet disappearances. It’s not every day that Springfield finds itself the center of attention for such reasons, but here we are.

In his statement, Governor DeWine expressed his commitment to supporting Springfield’s efforts to manage the situation, saying, “I want the people of Springfield and Clark County to know that as we move forward, we will continue to do everything we can to help the community deal with this surge of migrants. The federal government has not demonstrated that they have any kind of plan to deal with the issue. We will not walk away.”

While DeWine clarified that he doesn’t oppose the arrival of some 20,000 Haitian immigrants in Springfield since 2020, he was quick to criticize the federal government’s hands-off approach. The governor made it clear that local residents, many of whom have been directly impacted by the influx, deserve more support than they’ve been receiving from Washington. DeWine’s initiative comes at a time when frustration in the community is reaching its peak.

Residents Demand Action as City Government Fails to Respond

Springfield residents are not taking the crisis lightly. Complaints have been piling up, particularly about the immigrants’ lack of understanding of basic U.S. driving laws, leading to frequent accidents on local roads. In response, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers have been dispatched to the city to provide much-needed assistance to overwhelmed local law enforcement. According to a press release, “Beginning tomorrow morning, OSHP troopers will patrol local roads with the highest crash rates and hold accountable any driver who drives erratically and risks the safety of others.”

In addition to beefing up traffic enforcement, the state is also sending $2.5 million over the next two years to improve healthcare in the community. DeWine hopes these resources will alleviate some of the strain on Springfield’s already overstretched systems. This move comes on the heels of Attorney General Dave Yost’s comments on the issue. On September 9, Yost stated that his office was actively seeking legal ways to prevent the federal government from sending “an unlimited number of migrants to Ohio communities.”

Despite previous efforts by the state, including funding for driver education, vaccinations for children, and translation services for schools, Springfield residents argue that these measures have done little to address the root of the problem. Many feel that the town has been abandoned by both local and national leaders.

Springfield’s Citizens Take Matters into Their Own Hands

As frustration mounts, the residents of Springfield are not waiting around for the government to solve their problems. On the same day as DeWine’s announcement, a petition was filed to recall the entire city commission, accusing them of failing to prevent what many locals are calling an “invasion” of illegal immigrants from Haiti. The commission is being blamed for its perceived inaction and for allowing the situation to spiral out of control.

At the heart of the controversy is Marvena Twigg, who runs the National Youth Advocate Program and is credited—or blamed, depending on who you ask—for bringing 20,000 Haitian immigrants to Springfield. Twigg reportedly received $1.2 million to coordinate the relocation of these individuals to the town, but critics argue that she showed little concern for the consequences this would have on the community. The arrival of such a large number of immigrants has strained resources, leaving many Springfield residents feeling abandoned by their leaders.

With a recall election looming and tensions high, the future of Springfield’s city government—and indeed the town itself—remains uncertain. Residents have made it clear that they will not stand idly by while their community grapples with the consequences of decisions made without their input.

Our Take

This situation in Springfield reflects a troubling trend: local communities are being left to fend for themselves as federal immigration policies fail to address the real-world impacts of unchecked migration. The fact that Springfield’s city commission allowed this crisis to unfold unchecked is alarming, to say the least. By prioritizing a relocation program over the needs of the town’s citizens, they’ve created a disaster that will likely take years to resolve.

The deployment of state troopers and financial aid is a positive step, but it feels like a band-aid on a wound that requires surgery. Without more significant federal involvement and accountability from local leadership, Springfield’s struggles may only get worse. And let’s be clear—this isn’t just about immigration. It’s about how poorly thought-out policies and neglect from those in power can harm the very people they’re supposed to protect.