FINDLAY, Ohio — Findlay mayor Christina Muryn addressed concerns about immigration in a letter to the community Thursday, two days after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine noted Findlay was among several Ohio cities that have seen an increase in immigrant population.
In the letter, Muryn, who is a Republican, addressed the concerns regarding migrant populations and crime, which became a national talking point during Tuesday night's presidential debate. DeWine mentioned Findlay specifically during a press conference in the central Ohio city of Springfield Tuesday, when he addressed the increased immigrant population in those communities.
Muryn said in her letter that Findlay has approximately 1,000 immigrants either living, working, or both in Findlay, and 1,500 total immigrants in the Hancock County region. Muryn added she does not anticipate the number to grow, as Findlay does not have the housing capacity.
She also said that all the immigrants in Findlay to the city's knowledge are there legally.
No increase in crime, mayor says
The presence of an immigrant population in Findlay has also not coincided with an increase in crime, Muryn said. According to the letter, there has been a decrease in drug overdoses and other crime which Muryn said was typically seen at the hotels in which the immigrant population currently resides.
Muryn did note there was an increase in minor traffic violations, but added that the city is working to educate drivers. Findlay has been in communication with both DeWine's office and the Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety to secure resources, including driving simulators, which Muryn said could be used to educate both immigrant and non-immigrant drivers.
Funding for immigrant populations has not come from the city of Findlay, Muryn wrote.
Additionally, the letter said if Findlay law enforcement becomes aware of a person without proper immigration documentation, authorities will notify ICE. If they pose a threat, Muryn said, they will be detained.
"We are fortunate that this has not occurred and the Findlay Police Department will continue to uphold the laws of the land," she wrote in the letter.
'A complex issue'
In her letter, Muryn said she and the city's administration were working with state and federal officials to treat the immigrant population with dignity and respect, as well as provide support to longtime Findlay residents. She called on the community to do the same.
"We all recognize this is a complex issue because our nation's immigration system has needed fixing for a long time," Muryn said. "However, I believe it is beneficial for us all to keep in mind that the individuals that have come here legally are not to be blamed for the frustrations felt by many."
Muryn referenced misinformation regarding immigrants in Ohio that was recently proliferated on social media and by major political figures.
"They [immigrants] are looking for a safe place to live and find new opportunities to better their lives. They are humans. Not criminals. We cannot allow fear, political rhetoric, and misinformation to cause our hearts to be hardened to people who are doing what the majority of our own families did: Come to America for a safe place and a new start."
Ohio and immigration on the national stage
Former President Donald Trump reiterated allegations that Haitian immigrants in the central Ohio city of Springfield have been stealing and eating residents' pets. Officials from Springfield said there is no credible evidence to support these claims, and DeWine said Wednesday he trusts the city's statement.
The debunked claims have circulated on social media, often accompanied by bodycam video from Canton police, showing the arrest of a woman who was accused of killing and eating a cat. The accused woman is not Haitian and was born in Ohio, according to the Associated Press.
RELATED: Bodycam video showing arrest of Ohio woman unrelated to debunked Springfield pet-eating allegations
According to DeWine, 15,000 Haitians have immigrated to Springfield, located in Clark County, since 2020. They immigrated under the Temporary Protected Status Order, which DeWine said on Tuesday he does not oppose. Rather, the Governor said the federal government should do more to support these communities. The same day, DeWine announced $2.5 million in state funding for the city.
Response from the Ohio Immigrant Alliance
After Tuesday's debate, the Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, Lynn Tramonte, offered a statement of support for Haitian immigrants.
"Dear neighbors, we see you. We love you," Tramonte wrote. "We respect and celebrate you. We are honored that you chose to make Ohio your home, the place where you could find safety, earn a living, establish yourself, and take care of your family."
Tramonte referenced in the statement Ohio Senator and Trump's running mate JD Vance, who also proliferated the claims of immigrants eating pets without evidence.
"J.D. Vance's heinous lies about Haitian-Ohioans in Springfield has become a national punchline. But at the Ohio Immigrant Alliance we are not laughing. We are horrified."
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