Former president Donald Trump amplified false rumours that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were abducting and eating pets, repeating during a televised debate the type of inflammatory and anti-immigrant rhetoric he has promoted throughout his campaigns.
There is no evidence that Haitian immigrants in an Ohio community are doing that, officials say.
But during the debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Mr Trump specifically mentioned Springfield, Ohio, saying that immigrants were taking over the city.
“They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” he said.
Ms Harris called Trump “extreme” and laughed after his comment.
Debate moderators pointed out that city officials have said the claims are not true.
Mr Trump’s comments echoed claims made by his campaign, including his running mate Ohio Senator JD Vance, and other Republicans.
The claims attracted attention this week when Mr Vance posted on social media that his office has “received many inquiries” about Haitian migrants abducting pets.
Mr Vance acknowledged on Tuesday it was possible “all of these rumours will turn out to be false.”
Officials have said there have been no credible or detailed reports about the claims, even as Mr Trump and his allies use them to amplify racist stereotypes about Black and brown immigrants.
While president, Mr Trump questioned why the US would accept people from “shithole” countries such as Haiti and some in Africa.
His 2024 campaign has focused heavily on illegal immigration, often referencing in his speeches crimes committed by migrants. He argues immigrants are responsible for driving up crime and drug abuse in the United States and taking resources from American citizens.
