MADISON, Wis. — Faith leaders in Dane County gathered Thursday to express outrage about what’s going on in Springfield, Ohio, after the small town became the epicenter of the national debate on immigration.
The Dane Sanctuary Coalition is a nonprofit, interfaith organization of 21 congregations and seven nonprofit organizations in Dane County. The coalition partners with immigrant community organizations to provide services and advocacy for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
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"Our various faiths compel us to speak out publicly against the growing number of vicious, racist lies, hatred, bomb threats, persecution and death threats against asylum seekers, who are in this country legally to seek asylum from death threats and persecution in their home countries under U.S. and international law," said Matt Kendziera, executive director of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice and the Dane Sanctuary Coalition.
Republican vice presidential nominee Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance posted claims about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump repeated the claims during the presidential debate on Sept. 10.
The City of Springfield Mayor Rob Rue estimated Springfield’s population grew 25% over the past three years, due to the arrival of Haitian immigrants.
In the nearly 10 days since the debate, Springfield has faced bomb threats to schools, hospitals, government buildings and businesses. Hateful flyers and phone calls have been circulating around the city. Police cars have been sitting as a form of protection outside church services there.
"He did a disservice to our community," Denise Williams, who serves as the president of the NAACP Springfield OH Unit said. "Not just to the entire community, and he did a disservice to the Black community. And he especially did a disservice to the Haitian community."
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Kendziera said the comments that are being made about Haitians have many community members in Madison concerned about the overall well-being of immigrants and refugees.
“It is something a lot of people are fearful about,” he said. “I have seen a lot of fear. People are just nervous about what this kind of rhetoric or talk will bring about. It is our place to welcome, and even protect, the stranger, the alien, the immigrant.”
Aissa Olivarez, managing attorney at Community Immigration Law Center, was one of Thursday's speakers. She said immigration is a topic that many people don’t fully understand, and she wants to educate the community on it.
She said she wants people to have accurate information and knowledge in order to combat fear and judgment.
“I think it is really important right now that we come together, that we gain clarity around the message for immigration,” Olivarez said. “We need to open our hearts and our minds as a community to the people who are coming to Madison to make a life for themselves.”
While those in attendance at Thursday's community meeting had no direct connection to Springfield, Ohio, they all have an urge to get involved and help in any way they can.
“It is horrifying, the inhumane conversation that is going on right now about the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. What can we do?" a community member in attendance asked,
“My answer is do the work here. You know the pathway, you really do, and you are probably doing it,” Jon Prosnit, a rabbi at Temple Beth El, responded.
Faith leaders said they will continue to come together to promote healthy dialogue in Dane County.