President Joe Biden called for the end of "lies and hate" toward Haitian migrants during a speech in Philadelphia on Monday.
Biden was referencing unfounded viral claims -- amplified by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance -- that Haitian migrants in the Springfield, Ohio, area have abducted animals and pets and eaten them. Local officials have said there is no proof and that while an influx of migrants has taxed public resources, the migrants are in the country legally and with protected status.
"Right now, lies and hate are being spread about Haitian-Americans in Ohio," the president said at the 2024 National HBCU Week Conference, held at the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott.
"It's wrong. And it must stop. There are those who want a country for some of us, but not for all of us."
Biden also reiterated his support for Vice President Kamala Harris during the address. He also commended the Secret Service for thwarting an apparent second assassination attempt against Trump, saying there is "no place for political violence in America," before discussing the importance of historically Black colleges and universities.
