Enterprise community talks about alleged Haitian influx in meeting closed to media

On Thursday, community members gathered for a meeting to address a supposed influx of Haitian migrants in Enterprise, featuring former Trump adviser Jay Palmer.

Members of the media were immediately turned away from the meeting.

Residents, speaking out and weighing concerns, but others say there is more to the story.

"It is very concerning for the state of the country that we continue to be hit over the head with numerous lies", says Eriq Roberts, Wicksburg resident.

The meeting follows recent false claims of Haitians abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Gov. Mike DeWine and local police say the claims are fabricated, but people such as Elon Musk, J-D Vance and Donald Trump, amplifying those claims.

"It has become increasingly dangerous for people out here who are trying to live their lives," Roberts says. "These types of lies get out, and get people real rowled up."

Enterprise Police Chief Michael Moore says the area saw an influx over the past eight months, but the population is not large.

Since they came, he says there has been no increase in crime when compared to the general population.

"The Haitians I spoke to, they invited me into their home, we discussed a lot of good things. Pretty much they say what everyone else wants, is they wanna provide for their families, and they work very well where they're at."

Most Haitian migrants nationally are here legally either as naturalized citizens, with temporary protective status, or as permanent residents through a family reunification program.

He says when a person is here legally, they are entitled to the same protections.

"They are also protected. And they're also protected by the police department and everybody else. You could be here 40 years. You could be here last year, you could be here yesterday. If you commit a crime, and it deserves to go in front of a judge, we will make that happen."

Migration from Haiti has increased recently following a humanitarian crisis in the country, worsened by hurricanes, a 2021 presidential assassination, earthquakes, food and fuel shortages, and organized crime.

In a statement, Mayor William Cooper says that while he welcomes people into the city and that there have not been any major issues, the city received no assistance from the federal government.

Mayor Cooper is not the only Enterprise politician to speak out on the matter.

Enterprise City Councilman for District 3 Greg Padgett took to social media Wednesday night, speaking out against what he called "mistruths" that were being spread.

"I'm disturbed about the amount of misinformation and even absolute mistruths being told and repeated in our city," said Padgett. "The city, nor any elected officials are profiting from Haitian workers in our city. No elected officials have received bribes to allow Haitians into our city. It's our understanding that the Haitians that are here are gainfully employed and are earning money for their food, housing, and transportation."

The Councilman continued, saying: "It doesn't matter if you agree with the program or not, you can still treat Haitians as the human beings they are. You can still be kind."

Others say the misinformation can have harmful effects against Haitian people, and they urge doing research.

"One of the things we need in this country and this community in general is better media literacy. We have a major problem right now where people don't know where to get accurate information."

Now, residents leaving the meeting say church organizers spoke, followed by Palmer. Chief Moore also had remarks. About 30 to 40 residents asked questions.