Former President Donald Trump stirred the crowd at a rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania, on Monday night, calling for the deportation of some legal immigrants. His incendiary remarks echoed troubling historical rhetoric reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s scapegoating of marginalized groups.
Trump reignited the debunked conspiracy theory about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio—who are legally residing there under Temporary Protected Status—claiming they were responsible for bizarre acts like stealing pets. This rhetoric was notably repeated during a recent debate, where he broadcast the falsehood to millions, highlighting a pattern of spreading fear and misinformation.
Despite their legal status and crucial role in addressing local labor shortages, Trump and his allies continue to dehumanize these communities. His running mate, JD Vance, has even labeled them “illegal,” perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
At the rally, Trump declared that states are “inundated” with migrants and implied that the very fabric of communities was at risk.
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“Do you think Springfield will ever be the same?” he asked the crowd. “The fact is – and I’ll say it now – you have to get ’em the hell out. You have to get ’em out. I’m sorry. But get ’em out. Can’t have it.”
As the audience began chanting “Send them back! Send them back! Send them back!”
Trump doubled down, saying: “It’s terrible to say and it’s a tough thing to do. You know, you’re gonna take in some murderers and things, and you’ll put them on the planes and the buses, and you’re going to start doing it.”
Through these statements, Trump channels a dangerous precedent, echoing the divisive and aggressive rhetoric of the past. The rally demonstrated how easily fear and misinformation can rally support, while simultaneously targeting vulnerable populations.
Watch the clip below:
Trump: Do you think Springfield will ever be the same? You have to get them the hell out. You have to get them out.
Crowd: *chants send them back* pic.twitter.com/0QVkXCQ9si
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 24, 2024
