During the recent presidential debate, former President Donald Trump falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing and eating pets, a statement that echoed unfounded accusations circulating on social media. This narrative, which originated from a post in a local Facebook group, was quickly amplified by right-wing influencers and has historical roots in the stigmatization of immigrant communities in the U.S. Police in Springfield have reported no incidents supporting these claims, yet the baseless rumors have gained traction, reflecting a longstanding pattern of associating bizarre eating habits with immigrant groups. Similar stereotypes have been directed at various immigrant communities throughout American history, portraying them as 'other' through food-related insults. The spread of such misinformation highlights the intersection of immigration discourse and racist rhetoric, as noted by experts. Despite the lack of evidence, the claims have sparked significant public and political discourse, further complicating the narrative around immigration in America.