A San Diego-based non-profit organization, the Haitian Bridge Alliance, is at the center of a legal push to bring criminal charges against former President Donald Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance, following inflammatory remarks made about Haitian immigrants during a campaign event in Springfield, Ohio. The Haitian Bridge Alliance, also known as “The Bridge,” filed an affidavit seeking to hold Trump and Vance accountable for rhetoric that the group claims has incited violence and hate toward the Haitian community.
The legal action, initiated under Ohio law, stems from remarks made by Trump and Vance, in which they allegedly perpetuated harmful stereotypes about Haitian immigrants, including unfounded claims about them threatening their neighbors’ pets. The statements have sparked outrage among civil rights groups, with the Haitian Bridge Alliance asserting that the rhetoric has emboldened extremists and led to a surge in threats against the Haitian community in Springfield.
Springfield Faces State of Emergency Amid Threats
Since the controversial statements were made, the city of Springfield has experienced an alarming wave of violence and intimidation directed at the Haitian immigrant population. Local officials have reported more than 30 bomb threats and multiple threats against city leaders, forcing the city to declare a state of emergency. Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland condemned the rise in threats, calling it a direct result of the harmful narrative promoted by Trump and Vance during their campaign stop.
In her remarks to the press, Guerline Jozef, co-founder and executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, called for immediate action to address the consequences of the dangerous rhetoric. “The lies being spread about the Haitian community are creating hate and division,” Jozef said. “We came to this country seeking safety, but instead, we are facing violence and persecution.”
The Haitian Bridge Alliance has long been a leading advocate for immigrant rights, providing legal services, and pushing for humane immigration policies. The organization’s involvement in this legal battle highlights its broader mission to combat anti-immigrant sentiment and protect vulnerable populations from targeted hate.
Criminal Charges Filed Under Ohio Law
According to Jozef, the legal complaint filed in Ohio accuses Trump and Vance of inciting violence and endangering the lives of Haitian immigrants with false and inflammatory statements. Ohio law allows private citizens and organizations to initiate criminal complaints, and the Haitian Bridge Alliance’s affidavit may lead to either an arrest warrant for Trump and Vance or a referral to local prosecutors for further investigation.
The co-founder of The Bridge told the L.A. Times that Trump and Vance have “led an effort to vilify and threaten the Haitian community in Springfield.” The non-profit is now calling for both men to be held accountable for their role in stoking hatred against immigrants.
Legal experts say the case could face significant challenges in court, given the complexities surrounding political speech and the First Amendment. However, the Haitian Bridge Alliance argues that there is a clear line between free speech and speech that incites violence. “We are not just talking about offensive words,” said Jozef. “We are talking about rhetoric that is directly leading to threats and acts of violence against a specific group of people.”
A Broader Pattern of Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric
The lawsuit comes amid growing concerns about the rise of anti-immigrant rhetoric in U.S. politics. Trump, who has consistently made immigration a central issue in his campaigns, has faced accusations of spreading misinformation and stoking fear about immigrant communities, particularly Haitians, throughout his political career.
Civil rights groups warn that this type of rhetoric is not only harmful but also dangerous, as it fuels xenophobia and emboldens extremist groups to take action against immigrant populations. “What we are seeing is the weaponization of hate speech,” said Jozef. “This is not just a political issue—it is a human rights issue.”
J.D. Vance, who is running as Trump’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2024 election, has echoed many of Trump’s talking points on immigration. Vance has been criticized for his stance on immigration issues, and his involvement in the alleged anti-Haitian rhetoric has drawn further scrutiny.
What Happens Next?
The judge presiding over the case has yet to rule on whether the criminal charges against Trump and Vance will move forward. If the judge allows the case to proceed, it could set a precedent for holding political figures accountable for speech that incites violence.
In the meantime, the Haitian Bridge Alliance is continuing its work to support immigrants across the U.S. The group has vowed to keep fighting against what it sees as an escalating pattern of hate speech and violence toward immigrant communities.
