Springfield, Ohio, has experienced a sharp rise in crime, specifically in shoplifting and vehicle theft, coinciding with the arrival of thousands of Haitian migrants. According to data obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation, there has been a 112.8% increase in shoplifting reports and a 51.5% rise in vehicle thefts from 2021 to 2023.
The population of Springfield, which was approximately 58,622 in 2020, has surged due to an influx of between 12,000 and 20,000 Haitian refugees. Local officials, including City Manager Bryan Heck, have sought federal assistance from Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance to address the pressures on housing and public services.
Residents have reported numerous issues, including an uptick in traffic accidents and rising housing costs, attributing these changes to the growing migrant population. Some locals have also raised concerns about public behavior, although such claims remain unverified.
Before this influx, Springfield had already faced a higher crime rate than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 493.8 per 100,000 residents in 2019. Police data indicates that motor vehicle thefts rose from 324 in 2021 to 491 in 2023, while shoplifting incidents increased from 295 to 628.
Despite some frustrations, many migrants are contributing to the local economy and paying taxes. In response to the challenges posed by the influx, Governor Mike DeWine has allocated $2.5 million to support Springfield and deployed the Ohio State Highway Patrol for traffic enforcement.
As the community adjusts to these changes, residents are calling for support and solutions to effectively manage the impacts of migration.
