Logansport, Indiana, is grappling with an overwhelming surge in population caused by the arrival of over 11,000 Haitian migrants since 2020. The sudden 30% increase in population has strained local resources, especially in schools. Frustrated parents are blaming the Biden-Harris administration for the challenges facing their community.
Local photographer Candice Espinoza shared her concerns, telling The New York Post, “Our community cannot withstand this many people being here.” She added that her children’s education has been impacted by the overcrowded classrooms. Nancy Baker, another resident, was even more direct, saying, “If Kamala Harris came to my home, I would tell her to get off my property.”
The Logansport school system has seen its Haitian student population rise from 14 to 207 in just one year. Baker’s daughter, Cheyanne, dropped out of high school after feeling ignored by teachers who spent most of their time helping non-English-speaking students. “You can’t just focus on one group of students while others fall behind,” Baker said.
Cheyanne has since turned to online schooling, but the problem persists for other students. Espinoza noted that her own children are struggling academically. “Their reading and comprehension are suffering because teachers are lowering expectations,” she explained.
As the situation worsens, many residents are looking to the 2024 election for relief. Espinoza and others plan to vote for Donald Trump, hoping that his policies will bring improvements to the community and restore order in the schools.
