Last week’s presidential debate thrust Springfield, Ohio, into the national spotlight, prompting people to wonder how a Haitian community has taken root there — and why. Here’s a look at some key questions,

Donald Trump promised to visit the city “in the next two weeks.” Some residents welcomed a visit, but others were opposed, as officials said preparations were underway.

The Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio has reported concerns for their safety amid false claims spread by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance.

By Amy Goodman & Denis Moynihan Since Trump and Vance launched their campaign against Springfield’s Haitian residents, the city has experienced a wave of bomb threats.

MANHATTAN (CN) — Donald Trump and his allies thrust a small Midwestern city into the national spotlight this month with baseless claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing and eating pet cats and dogs.

The part-time rabbi at the only synagogue in Springfield, Ohio, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that Haitian migrants are disenfranchising the town’s citizens, claiming that two members of his congregation had been “forced to move” out of an apartment complex and injured in a car accident because of the influx.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio, which represents bishops from diocesan groups across the state, published a letter Thursday asking for the public to treat Haitian immigrants in Springfield with respect and dignity, warning against "unfounded gossip" and "scapegoating."

A small Ohio city has been inundated with hoax bomb threats since last week's presidential debate, when former President Donald Trump falsely accused members of Springfield's Haitian community of abducting and eating cats and dogs.