Controversial Remarks and Political Reactions
Representative described as "slapstick gangsters" and "the nastiest country in the western hemisphere" in a deleted social media post, sparking widespread condemnation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Higgins, citing regret and prayer after the post's deletion, while Democratic leaders and the called for censure, highlighting the incitement of hate and fear.
Context and Community Response
Higgins' remarks responded to charges filed by the Haitian Bridge Alliance against and , amid false claims of Haitians eating pets, which have incited fear and bomb threats in .
Despite the backlash, Republican leadership, including Johnson and Scalise, dismissed the censure motion. Trump's continued attacks on migrants in Springfield have been criticized by local officials, seeking to quell the fear and disruption caused.