FINDLAY, Ohio — In a departure from common Republican narratives, Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn, a Republican, has clarified that the presence of immigrants in her community has not led to an increase in crime. In fact, she reports a significant decrease in incidents, including drug overdoses, countering fear-driven rhetoric frequently espoused by some of her party peers.
Amidst a national conversation that often portrays immigration through a lens of criminality, particularly highlighted by figures such as former President Donald Trump and Ohio’s JD Vance, Muryn’s insights provide a contrast.
In a recent communication to the community, she detailed the conditions in Findlay where about 1,500 immigrants reside, noting that these numbers have been stable with no significant growth expected soon due to housing constraints.
“Additionally, we have not seen an increase in crime. We have actually seen a significant decrease in drug overdoses and other crime which we regularly saw at the hotels which are now occupied by our immigrant population,” Muryn said.
Muryn’s report comes as a clear deviation from the messages delivered by some within her party, like Vance, who argue that immigration exacerbates public safety risks—a narrative not supported by the trends observed in Findlay.
The reception of Muryn’s message within the community varies, with some residents finding reassurance in her leadership, while others remain influenced by broader GOP rhetoric. Nonetheless, the data presented by Muryn provides a factual basis that challenges common misconceptions and could influence broader discussions on immigration policy.
As election tensions mount, Muryn’s commitment to factual governance and her willingness to challenge party stereotypes about immigration could play a significant role in shaping political dialogues both locally and nationally.
“I believe it is beneficial for us all to keep in mind that the individuals that have come here legally are not to be blamed for the frustrations felt by many,” Muryn said. “They are looking for a safe place to live and find new opportunities to better their lives. They are humans. Not criminals. We cannot allow fear, political rhetoric, and misinformation to cause our hearts to be hardened to people who are doing what the majority of our own families did: Come to American for a safe place and a new start.”
