Former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy hosted a town hall in Springfield , Ohio, addressing concerns about the migrant crisis . During the event he also hinted at the possibility of running for Ohio governor . Springfield, which has seen an influx of Haitian migrants , has become a focal point in the 2024 race.
Ramaswamy opened the event by criticising media narratives. "We've been told, mostly by the media, to shut up, sit down, do as you're told, to sweep it under the rug, or else you're guilty of some sin," Ramaswamy began the town hall Thursday evening. "And I just think that the truth in this country is we don't have to agree on everything.
We really don't. We never have in America. But the beauty of this country is we should be able to talk about it in the open, and that's what we're going to do tonight.
" He acknowledged the migrants' desire to come to the US but criticised ‘federal policies’ under the Biden-Harris administration . He argued that these policies were at fault for the struggles cities like Springfield now face. The town hall was attended by around 200 residents, with an additional 100 in an overflow room.
Ramaswamy is a Donald Trump supporter and Ohio native who grew up in nearby Columbus. He met with city officials and Haitian community leaders before the event. Several Springfield residents expressed frustration over the city’s response to the migrant situation.
Chrissy, a resident of 66 years, criticized local officials for not organi.