Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced plans to explore legal options to prevent the federal government from sending an indefinite number of migrants to Ohio communities. This move follows escalating concerns from cities like Springfield in Clark County, which have been overwhelmed by a rapid influx of migrants.
Yost’s directive aims to address the severe strain on local resources and infrastructure. Springfield, in particular, has experienced a population increase of over 30% due to the migrant surge, placing a significant burden on the city’s economic, medical, and educational systems.
“This is absurd – Springfield has swollen by more than a third due to migrants,” Yost said. “How many people can they be expected to take? What are the limits to the federal government’s power? Could the federal government simply funnel into Ohio all the millions of migrants flooding in under the current administration’s watch?”
Yost emphasized the need for a legal framework to manage the situation and stated that his office will pursue all avenues to present this issue to a federal judge. He stressed that the problem is not with migrants themselves but with the overwhelming number arriving in a short period without adequate federal coordination or support.
Local complaints have highlighted severe issues with livestock theft and property damage. Residents have reported a significant increase in incidents involving the theft of various types of livestock, including but not limited to cattle and sheep. The thefts have led to substantial financial losses for local farmers. Additionally, there have been reports of migrants squatting in homes and killing wildlife for food, further compounding the strain on local resources. The Attorney General did not specify all types of livestock affected in his press release.
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in on the debate, echoing similar concerns during a recent debate. He criticized the current administration’s handling of migration, arguing that it has led to chaotic conditions in various states, including Ohio.
Yost criticized the federal government’s lack of communication and support in managing the migrant influx, which he believes is adversely affecting the quality of life in Ohio’s smaller towns.
“Ohio is a great place to work and live,” Yost concluded. “But overwhelming our small towns with massive migrant populations without any coordination or assistance from the federal government is changing that in front of our eyes.”