SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Residents voiced concerns and frustrations about Haitian immigrants at a recent city commission meeting in Springfield, Ohio, as attention remains on the city.

There was a visible increase in law enforcement outside the meeting and security remained tight with officers from surrounding cities assisting to keep the peace. Tensions have been elevated in the city amid a controversial false rumor that Haitian immigrants in the city were eating pets.

"We've obviously been receiving bomb threats, personal threats on our lives," said Springfield Mayor Rob Rue.

Inside the meeting, residents approached the podium, addressing the city commission and sharing how they feel about the presence of Haitian migrants. They were allowed three minutes to speak, but the commission would not be answering questions.

"I'm getting tired of people portraying white people as a racist and being told that we hate Black people," said one resident. "One thing being misconstrued and Haitians are trying to act like African Americans that have been here, were born and raised here. They're trying to portray themselves as Black Americans. They're not Black Americans. I want to know why are these people being coddled?"

For more than an hour and a half, concerns were brought up, including traffic safety and resource allocation.

"I don't fear our migrant and our immigrant people. Tell you what I fear. I fear members of this community who have allowed themselves to be ruled by their anxiety... That's what I fear," said another resident. "I fear the doors you have opened. We have Proud Boys and Klan and white supremacists marching in our streets and planning to do more."

Lisa Hayes said she has lived in Springfield all her life and that migrants are taking benefits away from her family and other American citizens who have served the country.

"I don't dislike the Haitians, I don't," Hayes said. "What I would like to see is have less, and less and quit giving out government benefits to others until you take care of the veterans that are homeless."

Officials said Haitian immigrants have helped the Springfield economy by filling jobs, paying taxes and occupying homes, but recognize the strain of resources being felt.

"So within that you have a strain on our law enforcement," Rue said. "You have a strain on health care. You have a strain on our school system. Three years ago we had about 200 non-English speaking, non-native. Now we have 2,000. That's a big increase on a school system."

Rue said he's not minimizing the strain on the system, but that these people are human beings and they are here. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in the 70s, 80s and 90s Springfield saw a downturn, but an uptick in recent years can contribute to the Haitians being in Ohio.

Rue said amid of the chaos of the past few weeks he's seen plenty of kindness too. He said he's received emails from around the world supporting his effort to try and handle the crisis.

To view the city commission meeting, click here.