(NewsNation) — Springfield, Ohio mayor Rob Rue tells NewsNation that the United States needs to have greater accountability with immigration as his city continues to struggle with an influx of immigrants.
A national spotlight has been shone on Springfield in the aftermath of claims from former President Donald Trump that some immigrants in the Ohio city are eating neighbors’ pets.
According to Dayton Daily News, the Haitian population in Springfield is estimated to be between 15,000 to 20,000. The southwestern Ohio city has a total populace of 60,000.
“We did not invite people into Springfield, especially at this rapid pace,” Rue explained on “Morning in America.”
“This rapid pace is where the concern is, you know, we have not been against immigrants coming into our area, but at the level they [have come] in has caused infrastructure strain, stress, and culture clashes,” he added.
While concerns exist as to what such sudden increases in population are doing to Springfield, and in other cities such as Aurora, Colorado, Rue suggested Americans to take a compassionate perspective.
“These are human beings in our town, and I just discourage those who are walking in fear to walk in faith,” Rue said. “Just look at this with a bigger picture, but at the same point, we need to be concerned about the strains put on infrastructure.”
Trump’s campaign for reelection is centered around a stronger border and promises of mass deportation of those not legally residing in the United States.
The border and migration are a hot-button issue in November’s election but notwithstanding the race for the White House, many Americans including Rue see a need for change.
“There’s no doubt that we need immigration reform,” he said. “I am not a federal legislator, so not the one who’s gonna be able to tell you how to do that exactly.
“But we need accountability with immigration and folks coming across the border without any accountability. I think that’s where the strain is. And then the ability to just come in at numbers and levels, to constrain cities like ours is very difficult.”
