A post shared on X shows a group marching through the streets of Springfield, Ohio, and implies that the city’s Haitian community is “forming” a “militia.”

Haitian militia is reportedly forming in Springfield, Ohio.

Kamala imported this.pic.twitter.com/Sx1FmrFAN6

— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) September 23, 2024

Verdict: Misleading

The marchers in the video are not a militant group of immigrants. The video actually features a local march by Israel United In Christ (IUIC), which seeks to unite groups of people it says are descendants of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Fact Check:

The Ohio city of Springfield is currently home to an estimated 12,000-15,000 immigrants from Haiti, according to a report from Dayton Daily News citing the Clark County Health District. Back in July, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue told Fox News that the influx of immigrants in his city has been “taxing us beyond our limit.”

A post on social media claims to show a large group of Haitian men in the streets of the city. The video features a large group of men marching through the streets, chanting in unison.

“Haitian militia is reportedly forming in Springfield, Ohio,” the post’s caption reads. “Kamala imported this.”

The claim is misleading. The marchers were part of the aforementioned IUIC, reportedly marching in support of Springfield’s Haitian community. The organization states their mission is to “unify the 12 tribes of Israel” that are also referred to as “so-called blacks, Hispanics and native American Indians,” per the group’s website.

IUIC Haiti also posted a video on its YouTube page on Sept. 21, showing highlights of the march in Springfield. The 2-minute clip included snippets from news reports related to the rising number of Haitian immigrants in the city and how false accusations led to increased security measures for local schools and buildings. A few photos of the march were also posted on the group’s Facebook page.

The group has been listed as an “extremist sect” within the Black Hebrew Israelites movement, according to the Anti-Defamation League. (RELATED: FACT CHECK: Facebook Image Does Not Show Authentic Atlantic Headline About Migrants Eating Cats)

The IUIC march was held amid heightened tensions related to immigration and among the Haitian community and national leaders. Republican Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance repeated debunked claims during a rally Sept. 18 that Haitians in Springfield were stealing and eating pets belonging to American citizens.