Trailing Trump in new refugee attack

DONALD Trump has come under fire for vowing to “liberate” US cities and order “large” deportations of illegal immigrants if he is elected – starting with one where he claims starving Haitians are eating pets.

- Mike Parker

The former US president told a press conference that Springfield, Ohio, has been “destroyed” by 15,000 to 20,000 refugees fleeing poverty and violence on the beleaguered Caribbean island.

The 78-year-old added on Friday: “I can say this: we will do large deportations from Springfield – large deportations. We’re going to get these people out.”

Mr Trump then repeated the claim that Haitians have been eating cats and dogs in the Midwest city, as well as stray animals in parks – a claim debunked by moderators in the live presidential TV debate last week.

It has also been flatly denied by Springfield’s police chief and mayor, as well as Ohio’s governor Mike DeWine.

Three local schools were evacuated due to bomb threats, thought to be related to the bogus claim, on Friday.