Horsford Attempts to Censure GOP Congressman

An effort by Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford to censure Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana for allegedly making racist remarks about illegal Haitian aliens was stopped by GOP leadership.

Higgins posted comments on social media, describing Haitians in derogatory terms. In his now-deleted post on X, Higgins referred to Haitians as “wild,” accused them of “eating pets,” and labeled Haiti the “nastiest country in the western hemisphere.” The post, widely condemned for its racist tone, was quickly removed after Democratic lawmakers confronted Higgins on the House floor.

The controversy comes amid growing tensions from a sudden Haitian influx in Springfield, Ohio, where illegal aliens have faced racist abuse following comments made by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, alleging that Haitians were eating pets.

The Haitian Bridge Alliance, a nonprofit recently created to defend illegal aliens in the Haitian community specifically, has filed charges against Trump and Vance for “spreading harmful misinformation.” In response, Higgins posted that Haitians should “get out of our country before January 20th,” referencing a potential Trump inauguration if he wins the upcoming election.

As lawmakers wrapped up their legislative work before the November election, Nevada Democratic Rep. Steven Horsford, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, introduced a resolution to censure Higgins.

Horsford condemned Higgins’ rhetoric.

“Higgins’ words are inciting hate and fear, and it is time for this body to ensure accountability,” Horsford said.

However, Republicans, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, quickly moved to block the resolution.

“We believe in redemption around here.”

It is not the first time Higgins has come under fire for his social media activity. Since his election to Congress in 2016, he has stirred controversy, including a 2020 Facebook post in which he threatened to “drop” armed protesters.

Horsford reiterated the need for accountability, calling Higgins’ remarks a dangerous example of hate speech and bigotry. He emphasized the need to “turn the page on this pattern of denigrating and villainizing immigrants for political gain” while urging Congress to stand united against racism.