The growing migrant crisis in Springfield, Ohio, has ignited tensions between local residents and newly arrived Haitian nationals, a situation that Tremont City Police Chief Chad Duncan believes could have been entirely avoidable if better government planning had been in place.
In a candid interview with Blaze News’ Julio Rosas, Duncan did not mince words about his frustrations with how both local and federal governments have handled the sudden and overwhelming influx of Haitian migrants into Springfield and the surrounding areas. He described the current situation as chaotic and detrimental for both the residents and the migrants, largely blaming poor government management and a lack of foresight.
Duncan’s primary criticism is aimed at the government’s failure to integrate the new arrivals into the local community. The sheer number of Haitian nationals arriving in Springfield, coupled with what he sees as a lack of effort to help them assimilate, has left the town struggling to cope. Many residents share his concerns, feeling that the influx has been mishandled and that their voices are being ignored. “It’s not good for either side, and that’s a shame,” Duncan said, summarizing the growing discontent among locals who feel their concerns about safety and community cohesion have fallen on deaf ears.
One of the most immediate and visible consequences of this lack of planning has been an increase in traffic accidents, many of which have involved unlicensed drivers, including newly arrived Haitian migrants. According to Duncan, this has become a serious issue. “People are losing their lives,” he said, explaining that these accidents are not just minor fender-benders but serious crashes with tragic outcomes. He added that the rise in accidents has had a ripple effect on the local community, leading to an increase in insurance rates, further straining the resources of Springfield’s residents.
In response to this growing problem, Duncan’s department has taken decisive action by towing vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers, a move designed to prevent repeat offenders from getting back on the road. “I found hitting people’s pocketbooks gets their attention,” Duncan said, noting that towing a vehicle typically costs around $400. When combined with fines, the financial burden can be significant enough to serve as a deterrent. He expressed disappointment that Springfield’s police department hasn’t implemented similarly strict measures.
In Duncan’s view, the leniency shown by Springfield’s law enforcement may be linked to the federal government’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. Under TPS, migrants who commit two misdemeanors risk deportation, which Duncan speculates may explain why local authorities seem hesitant to enforce laws that could lead to migrants accumulating multiple offenses. This reluctance, he believes, is undermining public safety and allowing unlicensed drivers to continue operating vehicles even after they’ve been involved in accidents.
Duncan shared a troubling example: during one traffic stop, he encountered a driver who had already committed three misdemeanors for driving without a license, yet there appeared to be little consequence for the repeat offenses. He found this particularly frustrating, as it sends the wrong message to both migrants and residents alike—that the law is not being enforced consistently, which can further erode trust in local authorities.
But the problems extend beyond just traffic safety. Duncan also pointed out that Springfield, like many U.S. cities dealing with a sudden and large influx of immigrants, is facing numerous challenges in providing basic services and maintaining social cohesion. The strain on local resources, including housing, schools, and healthcare, has been considerable. The town simply wasn’t prepared to handle such a dramatic population increase in such a short period.
For many residents, the situation feels overwhelming, as they watch their town struggle to cope with a growing migrant population while also feeling that their own concerns are being overlooked by the government. Duncan echoed these sentiments, noting that the lack of infrastructure and support for both the migrants and the existing community has created a tense and, at times, volatile atmosphere.
While the police chief acknowledged the complex nature of the immigration issue, he remains firm in his belief that better planning, stricter law enforcement, and a more proactive approach from both local and federal authorities could have mitigated many of these problems. “It didn’t have to get this bad,” Duncan said, expressing frustration at what he sees as government failure on multiple levels.
As Springfield continues to grapple with the challenges brought by the migrant crisis, Duncan hopes that both local and federal officials will step up to address the situation. For now, tensions remain high, and the future of the town—and its relationship with its new residents—hangs in the balance.
