Ex-Wall Street Journal Reporter Discovers Alleged Migrant Trafficking Network in Springfield, Ohio

Former Wall Street Journal reporter Asra Nomani has published a report that could potentially shift the national conversation from Haitians and other migrants eating cats or dogs in Springfield, Ohio, to a more sinister issue: the alleged hub of a complex human trafficking network in the small rust belt town.

Report Highlights

In her report published in the Jewish Journal, Nomani stated, "The story in this town is not about cats or dogs. It's about mules. It's a twin tragedy of migrant workers from Haiti exploited and locals from Springfield marginalized." According to Nomani, First Diversity Staffing Group Inc. has been transporting vulnerable Haitian migrants from Florida to Ohio in unmarked white Ford and Chevy vans since 2019. These migrants are then allegedly exploited for cheap labor by companies like Dole Food Company Inc. Nomani described this as a secretive and sinister operation that has been ongoing for more than five years.

Federal and State Investigation

Nomani reported that FBI anti-trafficking agents and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost are now investigating allegations of human trafficking in Springfield. The investigation was triggered by rumors of animal cruelty, but has since uncovered a system of labor exploitation allegedly involving a local businessman, George Ten, who is referred to as "King George" by Haitians and local residents. Ten is the chief executive at First Diversity Staffing Group Inc., a Springfield company that has been implicated in the alleged trafficking operation of Haitians to the town.

Allegations Against 'King George'

Nomani shared an image of one of the vans owned by staffing companies that transport the migrants to factories. She also revealed that 'George Ten', the alleged mastermind behind this scheme, lives in a mansion in rural Ohio. He is nicknamed "King George" due to his lavish lifestyle of luxury cars, cash handouts, and fast talk. Nomani alleges that he has been operating his reign of exploitation for years.

Personal Accounts

Nomani interviewed a Haitian man who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation. He recounted how he was picked up by a driver for one of Ten's vans near a grocery store in Immokalee, Florida. After a long journey to Springfield, he was dropped off at a rundown home infested with cockroaches. He soon found work through First Diversity at Jefferson Industries Corporation, earning $12.50 an hour. He was unaware of how much George Ten was allegedly skimming off his wages.

Exploitation Beyond Springfield

Nomani's report suggests that this alleged labor trafficking network may also be operating in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. A resident from the town, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, revealed the complex network of staffing vans in a town that is 50% Haitian. These vans shuttle workers back and forth to several food packaging plants around town.

Implications

The story from Springfield, and possibly Charleroi, suggests that the issue is not about migrants eating pets, but about a potential network of NGOs and the federal government placing migrants into small towns across the country. This cheap and exploited labor allegedly benefits large corporations but harms native blue-collar workers.

Bottom Line

This report raises serious questions about the exploitation of migrants and the impact on local communities. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your opinions and spread the word about this important story. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.