In the latest wave of anti-Black, xenophobic, and Afrophobic attacks, Donald Trump, JD Vance, and the Republican Party have escalated their harmful rhetoric against Haitian migrants. Following Trump’s defeat in the first debate against Kamala Harris, his campaign has doubled down on these divisive tactics, viewing them as a way to rally their base, which seems increasingly anxious about the growing presence of Black and Brown communities in the United States.

This strategy continues the bully tactics we’ve seen throughout Trump’s political career, now mirrored in JD Vance’s vice-presidential campaign. They believe spreading dehumanizing lies about Haitian people, who represent a significant voting bloc in states like Florida, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, is a winning formula. Unfortunately, hate appears to trump political strategy, as the Republican electorate continues to shrink. If Haitian voters in Florida alone unified behind the Democratic Party, the state would no longer be a Republican stronghold. Yet, despite this political reality, hate continues to overshadow common-sense strategy.

The Silence of the New Jersey Republican Party

In New Jersey, the Republican Party has remained complicit, choosing silence in the face of vicious attacks against immigrant communities. The GOP’s political class seems content with divisive rhetoric because it energizes their base and drives voter turnout in competitive districts. Congressmen like Tom Kean, Jr., Jeff Van Drew, and Chris Smith, along with other Republicans, benefit from this xenophobic narrative as they cling to the MAGA movement for political survival. Their silence on the attacks in places like Springfield, Ohio — which are inciting real threats of violence — is disgraceful, especially considering the large Haitian population in New Jersey. These representatives, who claim to champion family values, safety, constitutional protections, and the American Dream, are allowing hate groups to operate unchecked without offering any condemnation. If this continues, many New Jersey residents could also become targets of this violence.

Where Are the Democrats?

Unfortunately, New Jersey Democrats have also fallen short in their response and efforts to humanize migrants targeted by hate groups. It is not enough to simply point fingers at Trump and Vance and label them as bad for America. Our elected officials must actively leverage their influence, platforms, resources, and power to stand with the communities targeted by hate. We’ve heard little from prominent figures like Senator Cory Booker, Senator George Samir Helmy, Governor Phil Murphy, and Congressmembers Andy Kim and Josh Gottheimer, as well as congressional candidates Sue Altman, Nellie Pou, Herb Conaway, and LaMonica McIver. Their silence in the face of escalating racial and political violence is deafening. Haitian Americans and other vulnerable communities deserve to hear from those who claim to represent them, from Atlantic City to Jersey City, Asbury Park to the Borough of Roselle. Where are our local elected officials and mayors in this crucial moment?

Immigrant Rights Organization

It’s also disappointing to not see prominent human and immigrant rights organizations such as the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant justice ACLU, Make the Road NJ, AFSC Immigrant Rights Program and so many more not take a stand with the Haitian community, especially since Black immigrants are disproportionately targeted by hate groups, our criminalization’s system, hate groups and our legacy of systemic anti-Blackness. A social media post is below the minimum but some of them are not even doing that to combat the dehumanizing narrative and misinformation being used by anti-immigration public officials.

A Call to Action for the Haitian Community

Haitian people, you must stay politically involved and engaged in the electoral process. This battle is bigger than stupid politicians using dehumanizing rhetoric for political points; it is rooted in a is rooted in a broader system of white supremacy that fuels fear and division, particularly among white people and people who internalize anti-Blackness. It’s perfectly fine to be proud of our Haitian heritage but remember our ancestors knew they were from Africa and their fight for freedom was rooted in liberation of all Black people globally. Whether you’re a new Haitian immigrant or a fourth-generation Haitian American, we all shared responsibility to stay in solidarity with the entire Black community resisting white supremacy, harmful legislation and defending ourselves from people trying to strip us of our God-given rights. The pursuit of freedom, dignity, and human rights continues — and no one is truly free until we all are free.

Archange Antoine, M.A.; M.Div.

Senior Minister – A Place to Connect with God

Board Chairman – Compassionate Clergy of America

Compassionate Clergy of America is a network of faith leaders dedicated to protecting human rights and dignity for the most vulnerable across America. Through political involvement, community partnerships, and advocacy for transformational legislation, these clergy move towards justice and work toward liberation at every level of society. Compassionate Clergy of America is an initiative of A Place to Connect with God, enabling clergy to take action on social justice issues beyond the faith community.