Logansport, Indiana, is struggling to accommodate a sudden population surge due to the arrival of over 11,000 Haitian migrants since 2020. This 30% increase has put immense pressure on the local school system, leading to overcrowded classrooms and growing frustration among residents. Many are blaming the Biden-Harris administration for its immigration policies, which they believe are responsible for the situation.
Local photographer Candice Espinoza voiced her concerns, telling The New York Post, “Our community cannot withstand this many people being here.” She added that her children are now suffering academically due to the overcrowded schools. Another resident, Nancy Baker, expressed her dissatisfaction with the administration, saying, “If Kamala Harris came to my home, I would tell her to get off my property.”
The impact on Logansport’s schools has been severe. The number of Haitian students has increased from 14 to 207, forcing teachers to divide their attention between migrant students and long-time residents. Baker’s daughter, Cheyanne, dropped out of high school after feeling that her education was being neglected. “You can’t just focus all your resources on one group of children while others are falling behind,” Baker said.
Cheyanne is now enrolled in an online school, but the damage has already been done. Espinoza, whose children are also struggling, expressed concern that academic standards are being lowered. “Their reading and comprehension will decline because teachers are focusing on students who don’t speak English,” she said.
Residents are looking to the upcoming election for change. Espinoza, like many others, plans to vote for Donald Trump, believing that his policies will improve the situation. “When Trump becomes president, our state will get better,” she said.