Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is investigating legal options to limit the federal government’s relocation of thousands of immigrants to Springfield, which has seen a dramatic population increase due to an influx of Haitian immigrants. The city, home to 60,000 residents, has taken in up to 20,000 new arrivals in recent months, sparking concerns about crime and the local economy.
Yost’s investigation was prompted by complaints from Springfield residents about public safety issues, including property theft and wildlife being killed for food. Yost criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the situation, calling their plans “absurd” and warning that Springfield is being stretched to its limits.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted echoed Yost’s concerns, pointing to spikes in health care costs and infectious diseases. Husted argued that the situation is a result of deliberate choices by the federal government, which has relocated large numbers of immigrants without providing adequate support to local communities.
Gov. Mike DeWine also expressed frustration, stating that while he supports the Temporary Protected Status program, the lack of federal assistance is untenable. DeWine has earmarked $2.5 million to help local health care providers manage the increased demand caused by the surge in new arrivals.
Yost emphasized that the issue isn’t immigration itself, but the overwhelming number of immigrants arriving in such a short period, which has created a strain on local resources and services.
