Ohio Businessman Faces Threats for Supporting Haitian Workers
- Jamie McGregor, a businessman in Springfield, Ohio, has faced severe backlash for hiring Haitian immigrants, including death threats and being labeled a traitor.
- Despite employing only about 10% Haitians in his workforce, the negative response intensified after false claims about immigrants were spread by Donald J. Trump.
- McGregor's situation highlights the growing tensions surrounding immigration and the personal risks faced by those who support immigrant communities.
In Springfield, Ohio, Jamie McGregor, a lifelong Republican and owner of McGregor Metal, has found himself in a precarious situation after publicly praising his Haitian employees. The backlash began when Donald J. Trump spread falsehoods about immigrants in the area, which led to a wave of hostility directed at McGregor. Despite employing fewer Haitians than many of his competitors, he has faced death threats and has been branded a traitor by some community members for his hiring practices. McGregor's company, which manufactures parts for vehicles, has a workforce of 330, with approximately 10% being Haitian immigrants. This decision to hire Haitians came after he struggled to fill positions for machine operators and other roles. One of his employees, Wilford Renvil, fled Haiti due to violence and has since integrated well into the workplace, showcasing the positive contributions of immigrants. The threats against McGregor have forced him to reconsider his personal beliefs, leading him to acquire firearms for protection, a significant shift for someone who vowed never to own a gun. This situation underscores the broader societal tensions surrounding immigration and the personal risks faced by those who advocate for immigrant rights. Ultimately, McGregor's experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by business owners who support diversity in their workforce, particularly in an increasingly polarized political climate.