Akron Reporter

Springfield, Ohio, is facing a significant crisis as the city becomes the focal point of a massive influx of Haitian migrants. 

The arrival of approximately 20,000 Haitian illegal immigrants has sparked alarm over increased human trafficking, crime and a series of other issues that have raised community concerns.

Political commentator Evan Kilgore took to social media platform X to highlight recent revelations made by former Ohio state Rep. Kyle Koehler. 

Koehler is running for District 10 in the Ohio State Senate. He previously served as an Ohio state representative from 2015 to 2022. Senate District 10 includes the communities of Springfield, Yellow Springs, Fairborn, Beavercreek, Wilmington and Sabina.

In a lengthy post, Kilgore detailed Koehler’s claims about the Haitian migrant situation in Springfield, emphasizing the gravity of the challenges faced by the city.

“Former Ohio State Rep. Kyle Koehler (@repkoehler) has made SHOCKING revelations about the illegal Haitian crisis in Springfield, Ohio during a recent speech,” Kilgore said on X. 

Kilgore continued to outline several specific issues identified by Koehler.

“The Haitian illegals in Ohio are given $600-$1600 per month on Debit Cards through the Refugee Cash Assistant Program,” he said.

According to Koehler, this financial support is provided to help with integration but has raised concerns about the sustainability and impact on local resources. “There have been nearly 20,000 Haitian illegals re-located to Springfield, Ohio,” Kilgore said. 

 The sudden surge in population has overwhelmed local services and infrastructure, prompting urgent calls for a comprehensive response.

“The local school system now has over 1,600 non-English speaking students enrolled,” Kilgore said.  

This has led to increased pressure on Springfield’s schools to provide adequate education and support for a rapidly growing and diverse student body.

“Haitians, who are nearly 20 years old, are being placed in High School Freshman classes with 13-year-old kids,” Kilgore said. 

The placement of older students in lower grade levels has raised concerns about the appropriateness of their education and integration into the school system.

“A man associated with the re-location efforts is renting his 63 homes to 20-25 Haitians (per home), at $250/month, and is giving them local work,” Kilgore said.  

The overcrowded housing conditions have prompted questions about living standards and the potential for exploitation.

“HIV reports are SKYROCKETING 871% over the past 5 years and many nurses in the area are alleging it's due to the Haitians being treated,” Kilgore said. 

This alarming statistic has sparked a debate about the links between rising HIV rates and the influx of Haitian migrants.

“Springfield residents are reporting missing pets and that Haitans have been caught eating animals in the city,” Kilgore said. 

Anecdotal accounts of missing pets and incidents of animal consumption have exacerbated local anxieties and tensions.

Local leaders and residents express heightened fears and frustrations, underscoring the need for urgent policy and resource adjustments.

Critics argue that the situation calls for immediate policy intervention and better management of migrant support programs to address the pressing concerns of Springfield’s community.

Earlier this year, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue responded to the growing number of migrants.

"We're seeing anywhere between 15 and 20,000 immigrants within our community," Rue said. "Our police and fire departments are staffed for 60,000 people. We need to hire 10 to 15 more in each of the departments. So we're not budgeted for that. Our school systems are strained, our healthcare system strained.”

During his time in the House of Representatives, Koehler was actively involved in various legislative committees, including a four-year tenure as chair of the Agriculture & Rural Development Committee.

Outside of politics, Koehler worked as a senior software engineer before joining the family business, K.K. Tool Company, and is deeply engaged in local civic activities, including support for community organizations and his church. 

At 62, Koehler is active in competitive horse racing and continues to be a dedicated family man with five children and five grandchildren.