As Springfield, Ohio, faces a massive influx of migrants and national media attention, several Ohio lawmakers on Tuesday called on the Biden-Harris administration to provide emergency funding to the city.

Six Ohio Republicans sent a letter to the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, and Education asking for financial assistance as the city of Springfield continues to grapple with the logistical and infrastructure challenges of mass Haitian immigration. to their community. in their letterslawmakers held the Biden-Harris administration directly responsible for the town's crisis. (Related: Aurora, Colorado aims to increase police force by $10 million in fight against Torren de Aragua gang)

“The mass migration of Haitian nationals to Springfield is a direct result of the Biden-Harris Administration's reckless and mistaken promulgation of immigration policies, including the Haitian Parole Program and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants.” wrote the Republican lawmakers. “Programs like TPS allow Haitian nationals to remain in Haiti indefinitely.”

The lawmakers continued, “It is the responsibility of the Biden-Harris administration to provide support to the city of Springfield, schools, medical centers, law enforcement, and social services agencies as they weather this immigration crisis.”

The letter was signed by Ohio Republican Reps. Mike Turner, Michael Lurie, Mike Carey, Brad Wenstrup, Robert Latta and Warren Davidson.

Springfield received national attention earlier this month over an allegation. social media page Local residents reported that Haitian immigrants were seen slaughtering domestic cats for food. The claim gained further attention when President Donald Trump mentioned it during a presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Daily Caller News Foundation visited Springfield to speak with residents about the national media attention surrounding the town. Although no one who spoke with DCNF could confirm claims of pet eating by immigrants, many local residents expressed disappointment with the large number of Haitian immigrants coming into their relatively small town. estimate In just the past few years, roughly 15,000 to 20,000 Haitians have flocked to Springfield, overwhelming the town of fewer than 60,000 people.

Local residents told DCNF that the city's transportation, education, and other social services have deteriorated due to the huge influx of immigrants.

Rhonda Adams, a local resident and grandmother who has lived in Springfield all her life, said, “Too many people are being brought into our small town that was already facing challenges,” DCNF said. told. “We don't have the resources to respond [all of the arriving Haitian migrants]. There are a lot of homeless people here. ”

Although Adams didn't mind the negative attention surrounding Springfield, she, like many other residents, was glad that Springfield's plight was finally being brought into the spotlight.

“That’s what we need because our mayor, our city commissioners, and our [Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine] “We've been acting like it's no big deal,” Adams said. “I like that because we need to have our voices heard. We don't receive any assistance from the city government or the governor.”

For his part, Turner and other Ohio Republicans say the White House has a responsibility to help towns understand the situation.

“The federal government caused this crisis, and Springfield is entitled to federal relief,” the lawmakers wrote. “We need action from your agency. Our office stands ready to work with you on this important issue.”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DCNF.

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