Residents voiced concerns during a city commission meeting about the influx of Haitian migrants, citing public safety issues and job losses for American workers.

Springfield, a town of 60,000, saw the resettlement of up to 20,000 Haitian migrants, sparking local frustration and national debate on immigration.

“I’m a disabled, elderly woman, terrified to leave my house. When I do, I carry a weapon and my 120-pound pitbull. I’ve been followed and groped,” one resident shared at the meeting. She emphasized that many migrants lack understanding of local laws and customs.

While violent crime wasn’t the primary concern, many locals pointed to unsafe driving by migrants. Last August, a Haitian driver crashed into a school bus, killing 11-year-old Aiden Clark and injuring others. Mary Adkins likened local law enforcement’s response to “a Band-Aid on a hemorrhaging artery.” Rising insurance rates due to frequent accidents were also mentioned.

Residents also expressed frustration over job losses. Companies in the area, including Dole and Amazon, were accused of hiring Haitian workers over American citizens. “My grandson was let go after just a week. They told him Haitians took his job,” said Jack Oliver.

As the meeting ended, Terry Adkins claimed Amazon had laid off hundreds of American workers, replacing them with cheaper Haitian labor.

Vice President Kamala Harris, tasked with addressing migrant issues at the southern border, celebrated the Biden administration’s decision to extend temporary protected status to over 100,000 Haitians, stressing their need for “support” and “protection.”